Graduate Information

43rd Annual Black Graduation

SAVE THE DATE: SJSU Black Grad Celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST at the Provident Credit Union Event Center at San Jose State University.

*Ceremonies are expected to last up to 90 minutes depending on the number of students attending. Doors to the venue will open 1 hour before (12:00pm) the ceremony start time.

Watch the 42nd Annual Black Graduation Live Here 

Congratulations Class of 2025!

San José State University’s Black Graduation Ceremony is held at the end of the academic year to celebrate all of our graduating students. This year, we are honored to celebrate our 43rd Annual Black Graduation which includes both undergraduate and graduate students. This ceremony is a celebration of Black excellence at San José State University and an opportunity for all participants to acknowledge their academic achievements while honoring the African Diasporic/Black cultural influences that have contributed to their academic success. Black Graduation is open to all San José State University graduating students who would like to participate. This ceremony is separate from the official San Jose State University Commencement and we encourage graduating students to attend both; however, we recognize that Black Grad falls during a final exam day. Students, please prioritize taking your final exams.

Post Event Reception:
ALL participants and guests will be invited to the Black Graduation Reception at the Student Union Patio West from 3:00pm - 4:30pm (Free to you!)

• This is where graduates pick up their Black Grad Swag!

Registration

Deadline to Register: April 25, 2025 at 5:00pm
Eligible students receive a registration email to their "SJSU Email Address" on file with the University with pertinent event details and reminders. 

*Please note: registering AFTER April 25th will result in your individual photo NOT being included in the program booklet.

Link to REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 43RD ANNUAL BLACK GRADUATION CEREMONY

Registration will allow you to access to the following:

2025 Black Graduation Participation Package:

• Spot confirmation for 43rd Annual Event on 5/20/2025 (Check SJSU Email)
• Participant photoshoot (Individual headshot/group photo)
• 1 Event Program Booklet
• Black Graduate Swag (Includes Kente Stole)
• Access to post event reception

Purchase Your Regalia

Regalia purchasing options

In-person @SJSU Spartan Bookstore
Recommended for Undergraduates, Masters, and Credential graduates. This is the fastest & least expensive method.

Sales begin from the start of Grad Fest through Commencement.

SJSU Spartan Bookstore hours can be found on their website sjsu.bncollege.com

Online (required for Doctoral Graduates)
To order regalia online, please visit the Herff Jones website. The site will close 30 days prior to the first day of commencement in order to allow all orders to be delivered in time. Shipping charges will be added to online orders.

Guest Tickets - TBA

Tickets will not be required to attend this event. We encourage you to invite all loved ones to celebrate this momentous occasion with us!

Photography - TBA 

As a part of your participation in the 43rd Annual Black Graduation Celebration, we are extending and opportunity for you to take part in a free graduate individual headshot and group photo on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 9:00am.

**Participation in the photoshoot is FREE to you, upon successful completion of the registration form linked above.

• Each student participating in the photoshoot will recieve the following:
  One individual photo (cap and gown provided; if MA or Doctorate, please provide additional regalia)
  - One group photo

**Photos will be edited and emailed to each student following the commencement ceremonies.

Post photoshoot, you will receive the following:

• Physical Copy of Program Booklet (Provided Day of Event)

Post event, you will receive the following:

• Digital access to your individual headshot
• Digital access to Black Grad group photo
• Digital access to reception photos 

Event Parking - TBA

More Information to come soon. 

Black Graduation Schedule - TBA

More information to come soon. 

Event Venue

The Provident Credit Union Event Center is an accessible building on campus. Students and guests with ADA accessibility needs will enter through the designated entrance on the ground floor of the venue. ADA accessible seating will be available inside of the venue. Should you have any direct questions, please feel free to reach out to the BLOC Program Coordinator, MyShaundriss Watkins - myshaundriss.watkins@sjsu.edu 

Event Prohibited Items:

What Not to Bring to the Venue

Commencement is a "Clear Bag Policy" [pdf] event. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are not permitted at the event center venue:

NO Professional Recording Equipment – Photo Video, or Audio (No Detachable Lenses, Tripods, Big Zooms or Commercial Use Rigs)
NO Drones or airborne flying devices
NO Helium Balloons
NO Artificial noise-making devices, horns, air horns
NO Inflatable balls, frisbees, tortillas, etc.
NO Confetti or streamers
NO Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
NO Signs or banners larger than 3’ x 5’ and must be foldable (if a banner is brought, it will be inspected before being admitted. It may not be attached to any railings, fencing, etc. Must be held only)
NO Coolers, hard sided coolers
NO Outside Food or Beverages (Including Alcohol, Fruit and Candy)
NO Illegal Substances, Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
NO Tobacco Products or Paraphernalia
NO Markers, Pens or Spray Paint
NO Laser Pointers
NO Solid Backpacks, Purses or Bags (anything over 10" x 10") with the exception of a diaper bag that must accompany the child that uses it, and is subject to search (see our clear bag policy [pdf] [pdf])
NO Weapons of Any Kind (includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Personal Protection Devices, Fireworks, etc.)
NO Items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate by management that may disrupt other attendees' enjoyment of the event
NO Pets are permitted at this event. ADA service animals are allowed.
Please note the following
There is no public storage for prohibited items, nor can any items be held by the event staff.
SJSU is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
All guests will be subject to search, which may include the use of electronic devices, pat downs and inspections of bags.
Guests are discouraged from bringing unnecessary items to the event.