Cal State Long Beach grads upset over graduation ceremony decision

It’s a big week for college graduates but some students at Cal State Long Beach are upset over the school’s decision to not allow seniors to walk across the stage or have their names read aloud for graduation.

The issue has inspired thousands of students to sign a petition over the decision.

The graduation ceremony at Cal State Long Beach historically was held in the big blue pyramid auditorium on campus. The pandemic, however, changed everything and the ceremony was shifted to an outdoor venue at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

Many students are upset and disappointed over the decision as graduation ceremonies are seen as a rite of passage.

KTLA's Chris Wolfe reports on May 18, 2023.

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[Cheechon]

That Dean should be fired. Her response to the students complaints was despicable.

[GM-gcgg]

I graduated from CSULB in 1981. Graduation was on campus. Master's candidates got to cross the stage and have their names read. Bachelor's candidates stood up, moved their tassels, and sat back down. No names read, no crossing the stage, no receiving of diploma case. So this is nothing new at CSULB.

[Islandgirl]

Hey that’s not cool!!! These students paid a fortune for their education, jumped thru all the hoops… the university dropped the ball on the biggest day of all… they worked so hard and paid so much and you treat them like a second, third, fourth class! They were the stars of the show and the school sidelined them.
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[bbtheasian]

Imagine paying thousands of dollars and countless hours of hard work to graduate and they won't even shake your hand and read out your name. Poor show from Cal state long beach and good luck to all the graduates in your future endeavors.

[peterdvideos]

Once THEY take something away they don’t give it back.

[The_Winners_Circle]

Let me get this straight, CSULB graduates have to go to Orange County for their graduation ceremony and it's still trash? LMAO

[CorndancerHawkeyes]

Huh, Que, What The F...
Seniors worked hard for a better future and looking forward to seeing families and friends watch them graduate and hear their name respectively!
A'ho!

[davn]

No waking across the stage OR names being read? Damn do they even really graduate then🤷🏽‍♂️

[Riickky]

I went to one of my friends graduations and when the president started her speech about 10 students started blaring airhorns during the whole thing lol

[Virtual-rhwx]

CSULB should get sued big time for denying a basic part of graduation ceremonies

[MunroMcLaren]

When I walked across the stage last year, I didn’t get my degree. My university just doesn’t do it that way. But still Long Beach needs to change.

[EXROBOWIDOW]

Putting "AMAZING" in a press statement makes it all good... in the minds of the administration. That "graduation ceremony" was not worth attending.

[dianaellis]

What the student’s should do next year is not show up to the school graduation
and make the school mail their diploma to them
And then pick another place to celebrate their graduation without the school involvement

[kepop]

They take your money and throw crumbs at you.

[jackiedecoma]

I wouldn't have even bothered. All the graduates should have boycotted so the college was stuck with the bill to pay for an empty stadium. Shame on you CSLB! I hope students change their mind about attending your college. Most importantly you let the parents down.

[adrianmorelos]

Why does it say class of 2021, is it an old video footage?

[darkwing]

LB State, it’s time to make good and have this year’s grads walk next year with 2024’s class.

[antm]

San Jose State U, BA 1968...no names or stage...all stood and moved tassels, sat back down. MEd, 1997, Lewis & Clark...stage, name and hooding...much smaller class size makes a difference.

[FalconProductions_]

I graduated high school on vimeo and didn't even get a graduation for my community college. Next year I graduate university, I would rage if this happened to me for the third time. This dean must hate everyone

[tonileeacevedo]

Can’t believe people showed up for this