The 29th Annual Chicano/Latino Graduate Ceremony Information
2009 Registration is now open
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the 29th Annual Chicano/Latino Graduate Celebration?
The 29th Annual Chicano/Latino Graduate Celebration (formerly known as the Chicano/Latino Graduation) is a beautiful event that takes place the night before University Commencement. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate students' personal success and academic achievements in the spirit and traditions of our culture. The celebration is dedicated to our families and is bilingual. The ceremony is open to all graduating students and allows graduates the opportunity to publicly thank those who have helped them throughout their educational careers. Each graduate will have 20 seconds of time on the microphone to address the audience. ** In addition, we ask that each graduate go back to their seat after they have participated and be respectful of their fellow students who are still waiting to have their 20 seconds. YOU ARE ASKED NOT TO LEAVE UNTIL THE ENTIRE GRADUATE CELEBRATION IS COMPLETE.

2. When is the 29th Annual Chicano/Latino Graduate Celebration?
This year it will be held on Thursday, May 14th, 2009 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm in the Howard Jones Football Practice Field. The ceremony will be approximately 2 hours long. There will be a reception following the ceremony from 10:00pm - 12:00am in front of Heritage Hall.

3. What happens at the Reception?
The Reception takes place following the ceremony from 10:00pm-12:00am at the Heritage Hall outdoor patio. We will provide dessert and drinks. There will be musical entertainment for you and your guests to enjoy. The reception is free. All graduates and guests are welcome to attend.

4. Who can participate?
Any USC student (undergraduate or graduate/doctoral candidate) completing a degree in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2009. Although this ceremony does have a cultural emphasis, it is still open to all USC students.

5. I am NOT Chicana/o, may I still participate?
Absolutely. This ceremony is open to all USC students, but does have a cultural atmosphere. We recognize that not every one of Latin American descent identifies as Chicana/o. However, the first students who organized the event did, and out of appreciation for history and those who came before us, we keep the term in the title of the event.

6. How much does it cost to participate?
Participation is Free.

7. How do I register?
We ask that you register by 5:00pm Friday, March 27th, 2009 at the El Centro Chicano website. By registering by the priority deadline, you will be guaranteed that your name and picture are in the Commemorative Book.

8. What is the Commemorative Book?
There is a $10 fee (cash only; NO REFUNDS) for 1 Commemorative book given to you at the Celebration. Your payment can be dropped off at El Centro at anytime—preferably when you visit us to take your picture for the Commemorative Book or when you purchase your ethnic sash. This payment must be received by no later than May 14th 5pm. Similar to a yearbook, the Commemorative Program serves as a directory for graduates with photos and messages. Each graduate who registers by the priority deadline of Friday, March 27th 2008 will be guaranteed to be in the book. In addition to an individual picture, graduates can purchase additional dedication space. Commemorative Programs will also be sold at the ceremony for family members and friends who would like a copy. For more information on how to purchase additional space in the commemorative book or to buy additional books, please contact El Centro Chicano at (213) 740-1480 or email clgrad2009@gmail.com.

9. How do I submit my picture for the commemorative book?
In order for your picture to be included in the commemorative book, you must stop by El Centro Chicano (UUC 3rd floor) and get your picture taken by a staff member. Pictures will be taken Monday Mar. 2nd-Friday Mar. 27th. Please visit the office within the hours of 9:30am-4:30pm. You do not have to call in advance. Please arrive ready to have your picture taken. No formal attire is required (however, we suggest wearing solid colors as they tend to photograph better). This process should take no longer than 5 minutes. No personal pictures will be accepted via email this year.

10. Does EVERY graduate get time on the microphone?
Yes. Each participant will have 20 seconds of time on the microphone to address the audience/their guests. Graduates usually take this time to thank loved ones. The 20-second time limit will be enforced! 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 night.

11. Do I have to use my time on the microphone?
No. If you don't want to speak, you don't have to.

12. How many guests may I invite?
You may invite as many guests as you would like. After you have registered, El Centro Chicano will email you pre-formatted inserts to include with your graduation announcements. They will be available in English and Spanish. Seating is on first come, first serve basis, so please advise your guests to arrive early to secure seating.

13. What do I wear?
Please wear your academic regalia (cap & gown).

14. Where can my guests park?
Parking is available on campus for $7. The closest structures to Howard Jones Football Practice Field are Parking Structure A (PSA) and Parking Structure B (PSB).

15. If guests need special accommodations, who should I contact?
If you or your guests need special accommodations (wheelchair access, etc.), please inform El Centro Chicano staff about your needs at the time of registration.

16. What is the Class Speaker?
One graduate will address the class and audience with a 3-5 minute speech. Graduates wishing to speak must submit an application by 5:00pm on Friday March 27th, 2009. Finalists will audition for the graduation committee which will include students, staff and faculty. Only one speaker will be selected. Applications are available at El Centro Chicano (UUC 300) or you can request one at clgrad2009@gmail.com .

17. Who are the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies?
Two graduates will serve as MC for the evening. All graduates are eligible to apply. Graduates wishing to apply must submit an application by 5:00pm on Friday March 27th, 2009. Finalists will be asked to audition. Applications are available at El Centro Chicano (UUC 300) or you can request one at clgrad2009@gmail.com .

18. How do I order an ethnic sash?
We ask that you purchase your ethnic sash for $25 (cash only; no refunds) by 5:00pm Friday, March 27, 2009 at El Centro. You can place this order and bring payment on the day you come in to take your picture. All orders must be done in person at El Centro. Once your ethnic sash has been ordered, you will be contacted when it is ready for pick-up. Sashes will be on a first come, first served basis. We will begin with a variety of colors, so the sooner you come in once you’ve been informed of their arrival, the better. If color is important to you, come early!

19. Who plans the celebration?
The celebration is funded by El Centro and the Latina/o Student Assembly. It is planned by a committee that meets weekly and is open to any student, staff or faculty. This semester, committee meetings are held on Mondays from 4:30pm-6:00pm at the conference room in El Centro. If you are interested in helping plan this event, join the committee! Contact us at clgrad2009@gmail.com

20. Where do we meet the day of the graduate celebration?
Check-in and lineup will begin at 6:45pm in front of the United University Church (UUC/El Centro). All graduates must arrive and be checked in by 7:15pm. The procession will begin at 7:45pm sharp. If you would like to walk/sit with your friends, you must be on time. Please direct your family and friends to Howard Jones Field. Your guests cannot walk in with you during the graduate procession.

For more information, please contact
El Centro Chicano at (213) 740-1480 or email us at clgrad2009@gmail.com