Graduating students packed the Matador Bookstore Complex Wednesday for Gradfest, a two-day celebratory event where students were informed about procuring tickets for commencement and had the opportunity to purchase graduation paraphernalia.
Anthony Bennett, activities assistant for Student Involvement and Development, said graduating seniors should monitor their email accounts for a personalized link to reserve their guest tickets for commencement.
Students will be able to reserve up to seven tickets by April 14 and place a request for additional tickets. Unclaimed tickets will be distributed in a general pool.
“The tickets that aren’t used are going to get swept from that account and they’ll be used for reassessment,” Bennett said.
For students hoping to get additional tickets, Bennett said the university will make a decision after analyzing how many tickets have been reserved.
“It’ll depend on the reports, how many tickets are being requested and how many we have available,” Bennett said. “From there, we’ll do even distributions for everyone that requested one, and try and accommodate them that way.”
Despite the increase in ticket allotment, Antonio Morales, public health major, said the university should do more to accommodate ticket demands due to the importance of the event.
“I know it’s complicated because it’s going to be crowded, but maybe they can live at least two more tickets,” Morales said. “I do think they need to give students more tickets because it is something special for us and we want to have our family together with us.”
Bennett said due to the enormity of the event, guests are encouraged to arrive as soon as they can, preferably one hour before each ceremony.
For friends and family members unable to attend commencement, a live feed of each ceremony will be available through the commencement website.
After students learn how to reserve tickets, they are directed to the bookstore, where they can reserve their cap and gown, take a portrait and purchase a class ring and other paraphernalia.
Jonathan Adrias, program coordinator for Gradfest, said most people start in the cap and gown line, which is necessary for students who want to walk in commencement.
Adrias said though Wednesday was busy, Thursday will be even worse.
“Students realize tomorrow will be the last day and there will be people who wait until the last minute,” Adrias said.
Students attending Gradfest can also receive a discount on a CSUN alumni membership when they pay a membership fee with their caps and gowns.
Devon Renwick, membership coordinator of Alumni Relations, said students can purchase their membership fee for $40, only $4 more than the standard cap and gown.
Alumni memberships will allow students to receive beneficial discounts after graduation.
“Students can get discounts on health insurance and auto insurance, all of the things you don’t really think about until you graduate and realize ‘oh, I need these things,’” Renwick said.
Gradfest concludes today at the Matador Bookstore Complex from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
