Academic Technology Helps Bring Commencement to Life
As CSUN celebrates the Class of 2026, the Academic Technology team is once again playing a vital role behind the scenes to help deliver a memorable commencement experience for graduates, families, and viewers around the world.
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026 took place May 15–18 at the University Library Lawn, with ceremonies streamed live online for the CSUN community and supporters everywhere.
From coordinating live streaming and video production to supporting ceremony technology and online broadcasts, Academic Technology helps ensure every commencement ceremony is captured and shared in real time through the university’s official YouTube channel.
Academic Technology also works closely with Associated Students to capture the energy and excitement of commencement day. Together, the teams help film graduates live as they cross the stage, celebrate with family and friends, and create lasting memories from one of the university’s most important traditions.
This year’s commencement ceremonies feature an exciting lineup of distinguished guests and honorees, including former Second Gentleman and CSUN alumnus Doug Emhoff, who returned to campus to celebrate student achievement during Honors Convocation. The ceremonies also celebrated the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering & Computer Science, named for Autodesk CEO and CSUN alumnus Andrew Anagnost. Anagnost shared inspiring remarks about his own journey, then brought the audience to its feet by breaking into a dance and inviting students to join him.
Among this year’s notable graduates and student figures is CSUN volleyball standout Jordan Lucas, whose athletic achievements and growing popularity on Instagram have brought national attention to CSUN Athletics and student life.
A major part of the production effort includes the amazing student volunteers from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication’s Cinema and Television Arts (CTVA) program. These student camera operators have become an essential part of the commencement production team, helping capture audience reactions, graduate celebrations, and key ceremony moments from across the venue.
Throughout the ceremonies, the students gain valuable hands-on production experience by operating professional broadcast cameras in a live event environment. They learn how to quickly pivot to action, anticipate important moments, frame live shots for broadcast, and work as part of a professional production crew under real-time conditions. Several students also gain experience operating Steadicam systems, learning how to smoothly track movement through crowds and capture dynamic shots of graduates and the ceremony. The experience provides practical training that mirrors the fast-paced demands of live television and event production while giving students an opportunity to contribute directly to one of CSUN’s most meaningful campus traditions.
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026 took place May 15–18 at the University Library Lawn, with ceremonies streamed live online for the CSUN community and supporters everywhere.