FAQ
*Information and dates subject to change.
General Questions
Will New Student and Family Convocation happen if it's raining?
Yes! Rain or shine, the event is still happening.
Small, collapsible umbrellas that fit into your clear bag are allowed.
Is New Student and Family Convocation just for freshman families?
Not at all! We welcome all newly admitted fall 2023 first-year, transfer and graduate students and their families.
If I am unable to attend, can I attend the event virtually?
The event will be livestreamed on SDSU’s homepage for those who are not able to attend in person
If I am unable to attend the event, can I receive a recording?
The livestream recording will be available after the event if you would like to watch the recording. Please check back for a link on the NSPP website.
Is New Student and Family Convocation a mandatory event?
No, this event is not mandatory.
Are seats assigned?
Seating is assigned to specific sections based on the student’s college. In those sections, seating is general admission, so your family may sit anywhere in that assigned section. SDSU Ambassadors, faculty and staff will be there to greet you and help you find a seat.
RSVP
Will we need to RSVP?
We kindly request that you RSVP to help us plan a successful ceremony. To RSVP, please use the Google form.
Is there a cost to attend the event?
NSFC is free.
What if someone is no longer able to attend?
Please contact the Office of New Student and Parent Programs via phone, 619-594-1509 or email us at [email protected].
Parking & Travel
Where do I park?
Attendees can park for free at Snapdragon Stadium. More information on parking is available on Snapdragon Stadium’s website.
Can I take the trolley to Snapdragon Stadium?
Yes, students living on-campus are highly encouraged to take the San Diego Trolley to Snapdragon Stadium. Parents, families, and commuter students are highly encouraged to use the free parking provided at Snapdragon Stadium. Please visit our Directions and more page to learn more.
What assistance is available for making travel arrangements?
We offer special discounts on hotel accommodations through our hotel partner, Bartell Hotels.
Event Details
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony will be 60-90 minutes, however we request that families arrive 30 minutes earlier than the start time to be seated before the ceremony begins. At the end of the ceremony, students and guests will be dismissed in an orderly fashion.
What happens during the ceremony?
New Student and Family Convocation is the official welcome for all new SDSU students and families. President de la Torre, SDSU leaders and parents give a special welcome to the newest members of the SDSU community. Students are presented to the dean of their college, and receive a pin signifying their new connection to SDSU. Parents and families will also be welcomed and will participate in a parent pinning ceremony.
What should I wear?
Snapdragon Stadium is an outdoor venue. Dress is casual. Attendees are encouraged to wear SDSU apparel. Please wear comfortable shoes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
What can I bring?
Snapdragon Stadium is a clear bag only venue and will allow specific water bottles inside the venue. Please note that Snapdragon Stadium is also a cashless venue. For more information on Snapdragon Stadium’s policies, please visit their FAQ page.
Small, collapsible umbrellas that fit into your clear bag are allowed.
Where will I sit in Snapdragon Stadium?
Students and their family members will be seated by college in specific sections as noted by stadium staff.
Will food be available?
Limited food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Accommodations
Who should I contact to request accommodations related to a disability?
Students and/or guests needing to request disability-related accommodations should contact Carlos Avila with the Student Disability Services at [email protected] by Thursday, August 17, 2023.
To view the accommodations offered by Snapdragon Stadium, please visit their accommodations page.
Will there be ASL interpreters available at the event?
Yes! ASL Interpreters will be available at designated seat sections in Snapdragon Stadium.
Can I bring my pet to New Student and Family Convocation?
No, pets will not be permitted to enter Viejas Arena. The only exception is a service animal.
COVID-19 Protocol
Do I have to wear a facial covering (mask) to this event?
No, facial coverings will not be required during the ceremony.
Will I need to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the stadium?
Proof of COVID-19 vaccine will not be required for students and families to attend based on CDPH guidelines for large events.
COVID-19 Warning
Attendee acknowledges an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people gather. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Attendee shall assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting a communicable disease or illness — including, without limitation, exposure to COVID-19 or any other bacteria, virus, or other pathogen capable of causing a communicable disease or illness, whether that exposure occurs before, during, or after the event, and regardless of how caused or contracted — and Attendee hereby waives any and all claims and potential claims against the State of California, the Trustees of the California State University, San Diego State University, Associated Students of San Diego State University and all of their officers, employees and agents — and against any companies affiliated with the State of California, the Trustees of the California State University, San Diego State University, Associated Students of San Diego State University and all of their officers, employees and agents — relating to such risks, hazards, and dangers.
*Information and dates subject to change.
