You are cordially invited to participate in the 15th Annual Raza Graduation Celebration that will take place on Sunda, June 7, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The Raza Graduation Celebration is a bilingual celebration where family, friends, and community members come together to honor students' personal success and academic achievements in the spirit and traditions of the Latino culture.  Students who have participated in past Raza graduation celebrations have said that participating in this celebration has been one of the most memorable experiences they have had at Cal Poly Pomona, because it has allowed them to publicly thank those who have helped them throughout their educational careers (each graduate will have a few seconds on the microphone to address the audience).

If you decide to participate, please click here to register. The deadline to register is April 24, 2009. However, I encourage you to submit your registration as soon as possible so that the planning committee can make all of the necessary arrangements to make this event a memorable one for you and your family.

If you any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at csantiago@csupomona.edu or 909.869.5035.  You may also stop by the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education, which is located in building 95 (across the campus marketplace). We are open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Best,
Cecilia Santiago, M.Ed.
Coordinator, Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education

RAZA Graduation Celebration FAQ’s

§         What is the RAZA Graduation Celebration?

The RAZA Graduation Celebration is a beautiful event that takes place the week before University Commencement.  The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate students' personal success and academic achievements in the spirit and traditions of the Latino culture.  The celebration is dedicated to the graduates’ families and is bilingual.  The ceremony is open to all graduating students (undergraduate and graduate) and it allows graduates the opportunity to publicly thank those who have helped them throughout their educational careers.  Each graduate will have a few seconds on the microphone to address the audience

§         When and where is the RAZA Graduation Celebration?

This year it will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2009 from 3-7pm at the CLA Building Paseo and Rose Garden.  The ceremony will be approximately 3 hours long.

§         Who can participate?

Any Cal Poly Pomona student completing a degree between Fall 08 and Fall 2009 can participate.  In past year, alumni and students from other universities have participated as well.

§         Do I still need to apply for graduation with the Registrar’s Office?

While you do not need to show proof to the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education that you have completed all of the university’s graduation procedures to participate in the Raza Graduation Celebration, we encourage you to check with the Registrar’s Office to learn about the step that you need to take to apply for graduation.  Click on the following link for more information about graduation procedures: http://dsa.csupomona.edu/registrar/graduation.asp

§         I am NOT Latina/o, may I still participate?

Absolutely!  This ceremony is open to all Cal Poly Pomona students, but it does have a cultural atmosphere.

§         How do I register?

You may register by clicking on the following link: http://cpp-cfm.symplicity.com/events/raza08.  When your registration is accepted, you will be emailed a confirmation email.  The link is also accessible through the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education’s website at http://dsa.csupomona.edu/cesarchavez/.  We ask that you register by April 24, 2009 to guarantee that your name will appear on all the graduation celebration’s materials. 

§       What does it cost? 

There is a $25 fee to participate in the ceremony.  The fee covers a cultural graduation stole, plaque, ceremony picture CD, and a reception for you and your families that takes place after the ceremony.  An invoice will be attached to your registration confirmation email; please bring that with you to the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education when you pay for your participation fee.  You may pay cash or make a check payable to Raza Graduation.

§     Does EVERY graduate get time on the microphone?

Yes.  Each participant will have a few seconds (usually 30 seconds) on the microphone to address the audience and their guests.  Graduates usually take this time to thank loved ones.  We ask that graduates be respectful of their time as it affects other graduates and the audience.  We suggest writing your message on an index card in preparation for the event.

§         Do I have to use my time on the microphone?

No.  If you do not want to speak, you do not have to.

§         How many guests may I invite?

The number of guests allowed will be determined later.  Usually, we provide 6-8 tickets.  Extra tickets will be made available to on a first come, first serve basis and depending on availability.

§         What do I wear?

We ask that you wear your academic regalia (cap & gown) to take the class picture.  However, you may wear whatever you choose during the ceremony.

§         Who plans the celebration?

The celebration is planned by the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education and by a student committee that meets weekly.  If you are interested in learning how you can be involved in the planning committee, please contact the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education, at 909.869.5035.

§         If your question was not answered...

Please contact the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education at 909.869.5035.