The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Jordan College Commencement
Friday, May 15, 2026
Fresno State Save Mart Center (2650 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710)
• Campus Commencement Information (live stream video, event program, parking / other parent and guest information )
• Graduating Student Sign-up (Deadline: April 15, 2026)
OVERVIEW
On Friday, May 15, 2025, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
is proud to honor our graduating students at its 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Convocation starts promptly at 4 p.m. at the Save Mart Center (2650 E. Shaw Ave) and will be live-streamed at https://commencement.fresnostate.edu/ceremonies/jcast.html
No tickets are required, and parking restrictions on the north side of the facility will be relaxed.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 45 minutes early since each entrance will have a security checkpoint.
Elderly guests can use a drop-off location in lots 4 and 5 of the Save Mart Center parking lot (map).
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate and can email Dean's Office
at jordancollegesa@mail.fresnostate.edu or Save Mart Center Patron Services in advance
(559.347.3400). Additional venue accessibility information can be found at:
https://www.savemartcenter.com/venue-info/accessibility.
On the day of the event, participants and guests needing assistance can contact Fresno State Police (559.278.3402). More info is available at the 'Accessibility' portion of this website at: https://commencement.fresnostate.edu/parent-guest-info.html .
Information on all the campus graduation ceremonies is at: commencement.fresnostate.edu .
Commencement is an alcohol- and drug-free event, and smoke, vapor, and tobacco products are also prohibited.
EVENT DAY TIMELINE
1:30-3 p.m.
Ag One pre-event reception (*free) for Jordan College students, families, faculty,
and staff at Conley Art East Lawn Area (5225 N Backer Ave, next to parking lot P5).
3 p.m.
Graduates arrive on the lower loading dock / northeast corner of Save Mart Center
off Chestnut Ave. (volunteers will direct students).
* Students are asked NOT to wear their regalia and have gowns and caps in hand (to expedite security check flow).
* Students should only bring the bare essentials (phone, keys) and wear comfortable, stable shoes (since ramps and steps are steep and sometimes uneven). There will be lots of walking and standing. (More info below)
3:15 p.m.
Save Mart Center doors open for guests to enter (more info below).
4 p.m.
Processional starts promptly (graduates will be seated on floor by academic department)
4:15 p.m.
Ceremony begins
5:30 p.m.
Ceremony ends
* Students will be directed to exit to the west side of the Save Mart Center, and can meet their families on the lawn on the south side of the facility next to Shaw Ave.).
COMMUNICATION
It is very important that students remember to check their email! Between now and
May, email will be the source for the majority of information regarding graduation,
such as: upcoming graduation-related events, photo sessions, invitation from the Dean,
updates and reminders regarding graduation ceremonies and activities, etc.
Check with your major department if you are not receiving emails regarding graduation.
Students who are walking early (i.e., participating in graduation ceremony in May 2026, but not completing all graduation requirements until the end of Summer or Fall 2026) will need to inform their departments and fill out the commencement registration to be included in the commencement program and added to the email list.
Information regarding Honor Cords has already been sent out, and please note that early walkers are not eligible for Honors Cords.
Some major departments also do graduation dinners or banquets. Information regarding those events would come directly from the department.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Ag One Foundation Reception
The Ag One Foundation hosts a reception located on the Conley Art East Lawn Area for Jordan College graduating students, families and friends from 1:30-3 p.m.
The reception will have refreshments and provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to meet family and friends of our graduating students.
The reception also provides great photo opportunities with faculty and staff! Time will be tight once the students make their way to the Save Mart Center.
Save Mart Center Entry Policies
Students, faculty, staff, and guests must abide by all Save Mart Center entry policies and protocols. These protocols are subject to change. Please check your emails for updates. https://savemartcenter.com/about/venue-entry-requirements
EVERYONE will go through a security checkpoint and a metal detector. The Save Mart Center has a “clear bag” policy (maximum allowable bag size is 12x6x12 inches, or small clutch purses that are approximately 4.5 x 6.5 inches or smaller).
Parking with be tight, and guests are encouraged to carpool and arrive early since there are commecencements ceremonies happening beforehand.
Arrival at the Save Mart Loading Dock
Students need to arrive at the loading dock located at the east end of the Save Mart
Center at 3 p.m. They should NOT be wearing their regalia (cap and gown).
EVERYONE will go through a security checkpoint and go through a metal detector prior to being let down to the dock. Save Mart Center has a “clear bag” policy.
There will be no place to store your bag. Time will be very tight. Please arrive on time!
Students will then fill out name cards (with pronunciations) for the announcers to use during the event.
DURING THE CEREMONY
* PROCESSIONAL STARTS AT 4 P.M. SHARP!!!!
Students will be lining up in the north and south tunnels of the Save Mart Center. Volunteers will be on hand to help direct students to the correct tunnel. There will be directional signs posted as well.
Inside the tunnels will be standards with department names. Students are to gather around their departments’ standard, fill out their photo card (the backside of their name card) and remain with their department until the procession begins. Students are not seated alphabetically. Graduate students will lead the departments as they will be hooded first, then undergraduates will be recognized.
Department Administrative Assistants will lead their students onto the Save Mart Center floor from the west side towards the east side of the arena (after lining up in the north, court-level hallway (Ag Business, Plant Science, and Food Science and Nutrition), and the south, court-level hallway (Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, Industrial Technology, Viticulture and Enology).
PROCESSIONAL FLOW
Students will enter the Save Mart Center floor following the direction of their Department
Administrative Assistant. Once at their seat, they will remain standing until asked
to be seated.
The program will begin with opening remarks from the President, Provost, Dean and Associate Dean. When it is time for the students to be recognized, the Department Administrative Assistant will prompt their students to rise and walk to the stage. Follow his/her lead.
Tassels should be on the right side for undergraduates (until directed to switch sides by the President at the end of the ceremony). Graduate students should already have tassels on the left side as they approach the stairs for their hooding ceremony.
When entering the stage, stand on the ‘X’ and place the name card in the hand of the Marshal (card reader). As soon as your name is read, make your way across the stage.
Students will be greeted by the Dean and a candid photo will be taken. Students will make their way back to their seats through the department receiving line and will have a ceremony photo taken before returning to their seat.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will exit the arena floor up to the first level on the west end of the building to meet up with family and friends. The west end is behind you when seated.
- Before the event, students will wait by department in the basement hallways on the north side (Agricultural Business, Food Science and Nutrition, Plant Science) and south side (Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, Industrial Technology, Viticulture and Enology). The processionals will start on the west side of the arena and move eastward to corresponding seats on the floor on the north and south sides (and grouped by department).
GRADUATE HOODING CEREMONY
Students receiving their master's degrees also participate in the commencement ceremony.
Master degree students will be hooded by their department prior to the undergraduate
student names being called.
Students will enter the Save Mart Center floor following the direction of their Department
Administrative Assistant. Once at their seat, they will remain standing until asked
to be seated.
The program will begin with opening remarks from the President, Provost, Dean and Associate Dean. When it is time for the students to be recognized, the Department Administrative Assis-tant will prompt their students to rise and walk to the stage. Follow his/her lead.
When entering the stage, stand on the ‘X’ and place the name card in the hand of the Marshal (card reader). As soon as your name is read, make your way across the stage.
Students will be greeted by the Dean and a candid photo will be taken. Students will make their way back to their seats through the department receiving line and will have a ceremony photo taken before returning to their seat.
Graduate students should already have tassels on the left side as they approach the
stairs for their hooding ceremony (while undergraduates will have it on the right
side, and be directed to switch sides by the President at the end of the ceremony).
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will exit the arena floor up to the first level on the west end of the building (next to the Student Recreation Center) to meet up with family and friends. The west end is behind you when seated.
Awards & Honorees Recognized at Commencement
• Jordan College Dean’s Medalist
• Jordan College Graduate Medalist
• Jordan College Outstanding Thesis and Project
• Jordan College Honors Scholars
• Jordan College Student Achievers
Hooding takes time!
Master's students need to make sure their hood is open and draped over their left arm, button facing out, prior to walking onto the stage.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
* Commencement is an alcohol and drug-free event
Students who appear to be under the influence will be removed from the Save Mart Center and will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony
Misconduct by even a few can disturb the whole event, and the Jordan College wants
to make it a positive experience for all!
https://commencement.fresnostate.edu/graduate-info.html
Save Mart Center security staff and the police department will be in attendance to handle misconduct that disturbs the event for students, family, and guests.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
The Jordan College Commencement is a joyous moment that is meant to be shared among
family, friends, faculty, and staff. Graduation marks the culmination of years of
dedication and effort from our students.
As we eagerly anticipate this joyous occasion, our faculty, staff, University President, and Provost are excited to join in celebrating the achievements of our students. Consequently, I wish that every student relishes in this significant milestone. However, in consideration of all attendees, it is imperative that students refrain from engaging in disruptive behavior or attending the event while under the influence of alcohol. Any such conduct may regrettably result in the inability to participate in the ceremony.
Each graduating student owes it to themselves, their peers, families, friends, and the Jordan College community to partake in a commencement that is safe, respectful, and dignified. Your journey to this moment deserves nothing less.
I sincerely encourage your participation in this memorable event, as it provides an opportunity for you to celebrate your accomplishments alongside your peers.
SOCIAL MEDIA
- Students are encouraged to tag us with their graduation-related posts at @fsjordancollege
on Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter (and JCASTFresnoState on Facebook). .
- The Fresno State university social media pages may also share your posts on the celebratory streams if you use the hashtag #FresnoStateGrad .
AFTER THE CEREMONY
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dean St. Hilaire will instruct graduates to use the stairs at the west end of the Save Mart Center floor to meet up with family and friends on the first level. Staff members will be directing our graduates to the appropriate exit area.
INFORMATION FOR ATTENDING FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Save Mart Center doors will open at 3:15 p.m. for guests attending the Jordan College
of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Commencement.
Commencement is an alcohol- and drug-free event, and smoke, vapor, and tobacco products are also prohibited.
Tickets are not required, and the number of guests is not limited.
Balloons, food, confetti, loud horns, fireworks, lasers, drinks, cans, bottles, containers, and strollers will not be allowed inside the Save Mart Center.
Handheld banners and signs are permitted at Save Mart Center provided they are no larger than 2′ x 3′ and are in good taste as determined by facility management. Signs may not utilize wood, metal, or similar types of materials for support. Banners and signs may not be affixed or hung anywhere in the facility or displayed in a manner that obstructs guests’ views of the event or facility advertising signage.
Parking restrictions / parking pass requirements will be relaxed on campus, however there will be a ceremony held before and after the Jordan College ceremony. Parking will be limited, and guests should allow enough time to get to campus and park. Traffic attendants will be directing traffic, and guests are encouraged to carpool.
Students should park in Lot P2, and their guests can park in the Save Mart Center parking lot.
If you have elderly guests, there will be a drop-off location in lots 4 and 5 of the Save Mart Center parking lot. For additional information on maps and parking visit: https://savemartcenter.com/visitor-information/parking
The Save Mart Center has designated handicapped seating, as well as a designated seating area for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired guests (only one family member can be seated with the person requiring special accommodations due to space limitations). Save Mart Center staff will be available in the main lobby for directions to designated areas.
The Save Mart Center has a small, clear bag policy. Guests can only bring items inside in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (more info) that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Exceptions will be made for necessary medical items, which are subject to inspection. Diaper bags are allowed with the presence of an infant/toddler.
Family and student guests are not allowed on the arena floor at any time (only graduates, faculty and event staff).
Students, faculty, staff, and guests must abide by all Save Mart Center entry policies and protocols. These protocols are subject to change. Please check your emails for updates. https://savemartcenter.com/about/venue-entry-requirements
Parents and guests are encouraged to sit on the side corresponding to their graduate's academic department: north side (Agricultural Business, Food Science and Nutrition, Plant Science) / south side (Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, Industrial Technology, Viticulture and Enology). Seating is first come, first served, and saving large quantities of seats is not permitted.
MORE DEPARTMENT GRADUATION INFORMATION
Agricultural Business
Peters Business Building, Room 302
Steve Nasse
stephenn@csufresno.edu / 559.278.2949
Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
Ag Science Building, Room 232
Mimi Nino
mnino@csufresno.edu / 559.278.2971
Food Science and Nutrition
Family Food Science Building, Room 111
Jennifer Trauner
jtrauner@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.2164
Industrial Technology
Grosse Industrial Technology Building, Room 212
Debra Pichardo
debra_pichardo@csufresno.edu / 559.278.2145
Plant Science
Ag Science Building, Room 222
Marlene Miyasaki
marlenem@csufresno.edu / 559.278.2861
Viticulture and Enology
VERC Building, Room 114
Aaron Smith
aaronjsmith@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.2089
Jordan College Dean’s Office
Ag Science Building, Room 102
jordancollegesa@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.2061
Karine Fmzyan
kfrnzyan@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.2061
Luz Mendoza
luzmendoza@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.7135