All Things Commencement: Your Guide to Spring 2026
May 18 is almost here, and it’s going to be a big one! Whether you’re walking in the processional, cheering from the seats, or helping make the day run, here’s (just about) everything faculty and staff need to know about Spring Commencement 2026.
Mark Your Calendar
Both ceremonies take place Monday, May 18, at the Thomas and Mack Center — one at 11 a.m. and one at 5 p.m. No tickets are required for guests, and free parking is available outside the venue with accessible spaces available. If you can’t be there in person, a livestream will be available at csn.edu/commencement/live-stream.
For Students: Point Them to the Right Place
If you have students asking questions about registering for the ceremony, picking up regalia, or anything else Commencement-related, send them to csn.edu/commencement. Everything they need — from cap and gown info to diploma details to the ceremony schedule — is there and kept up to date.
Celebrate All Season Long
The fun starts before May 18. Several community celebrations are happening in the weeks leading up to Commencement:
- The Mosaic: All Identities Farewell Celebration — Saturday, April 25, 3 to 5 p.m., Charleston campus Student Union Ballrooms
- African American Heritage Community Graduation Celebration — Thursday, May 7, 6 to 8 p.m., Charleston campus Student Union Ballrooms
- Latino Alliance Graduation Celebration — Friday, May 8, 6 p.m., North Las Vegas campus Horn Theater
- Women’s Alliance Graduation Celebration — Friday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m., North Las Vegas campus June Whitley Lounge
RSVPs are required. Find all the links at csn.edu/commencement.
Join the Grad Squad
This is the call for faculty and staff. The Grad Squad is the volunteer team that makes Commencement day actually work — greeting guests, guiding graduates, supporting logistics, and cheering students on as they cross the stage. Every role matters, and the energy you bring reminds our students how much this community believes in them.
Volunteers get an official Grad Squad t-shirt, a continental breakfast in the morning, and pizza and salad at lunch. Multiple time slots are available.
Questions? Reach out to Commencement Committee Co-Chair Dr. Cathy Godfrey at cathy.godfrey@csn.edu.
Can’t Volunteer? There’s Still a Way In
Faculty are welcome to join the academic procession in regalia. Tune into the livestream. Post about a student you’re proud of. Sometimes the most meaningful thing is just letting a graduate know you see them.
>> Tag your posts with #CSNgrad and #CSNproud — and go find those Coyotes!
A Note on Regalia
Administrative faculty, associate vice presidents, and executive directors who participate in the processional are required to wear academic regalia. If you don’t already have some, basic robe and mortarboard packages start at $40 at the CSN Bookstore, and regalia for advanced degrees is available through vendors like Amazon, Jostens, and other online retailers. Please note that CSN is unable to purchase or reimburse regalia. If you’re interested in using the shared system available to academic faculty, contact Deana.Boes@csn.edu for details.
If you got one thing from this story, let it be this: when in doubt, visit > csn.edu/commencement.
And now a special message from Dr. Klip
