Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for graduation?
A: First, go to each major and minor department you have and obtain departmental program of study called an "Advisement Form". These forms must be signed by your Advisors, and if any changes in required courses are authorized, must also be signed by the department chair as well. Request each Advisor to send the original copies of the forms to the Office of Admissions and Records - Graduation Unit. Additionally, you must complete an "Application for Award of Degree" and submit this form and $35.00 fee to the University Cashier before the published deadline date of your anticipated date of graduation.
Q: When should I apply for graduation?
A: You should apply for graduation a year in advance of the semester in which you plan to graduate. You should consider applying for graduation if you have earned at least 100 semester units or have less than 10 courses to complete. Students not meeting minimum qualifications may have their application returned. Please check for the filing deadlines in the university catalog, schedule of classes, the application for award of degree, and in departmental offices.
Q: When will I receive my Degree Checklist?
A: The Degree Checks (Graduation Evaluations) are processed in date order from the time all required documents are received. When your Degree Check will be done will depend on the number of students who have applied before you.
Q: I missed the deadline to apply for graduation. Will you accept my application late?
A: Applications for Award of Degree submitted past the published deadline must be accompanied by an additional $15.00 late fee (please pay at the University Cashier).
Q: Why does the Graduation Evaluation show I need the courses in which I'm currently enrolled?
A: The Graduation Evaluation reflects all courses outstanding including those in progress. Course requirements are not met until final grades are assigned.
Q: I received my Associates degree from a Community College. Why are you holding me for General Studies requirements?
A: The Associates degree is not the same thing as GE Certification. You should contact your Community College about GE Certification.
Q: What is GE Certification?
A: GE Certification is where the Community College certifies that you have completed General Education according to their GE plan. This plan may differ from Cal State Dominguez Hills' GE plan, but is accepted as meeting lower division GE requirements.
Q: My advisor told me I could take a different course from the one that is listed on my Degree Check. Why are you holding me for this course?
A: The Degree Check is prepared from the Advisement Forms. If your advisor has approved different courses, please have your advisor submit a "Revision of Advisement form" signed by the Advisor.
Q: How many units/courses can I have outstanding and still graduate?
A: NONE!
Q: Can I go through Commencement Ceremonies and finish my courses later?
A: Spring Commencement Ceremonies are for those students that have graduated the previous Summer and Fall and are candidates for Spring. You may attend these ceremonies if you fall into one of these groups. However, participation in Commencement Ceremonies is not the same as graduating. You will not be able to actually graduate until all of your requirements are met. If you have not completed all requirements by the end of the semester you indicated you will have to change your date of graduation and complete a Request for Change of Graduation Date form and pay a $10.00 fee. You may obtain this form in the Office of Admissions and Records or online on our Forms Page.
For information about the Commencement Ceremony please contact the Office of Ceremonies and Events by telephone at (310) 243-2666 or by email at csudhevents@csudh.edu.
Q: Can I retake courses after I graduate to improve my G.P.A.?
A: No. After you have graduated, your record is sealed. No changes will be made to Academic Records once the degree has been completed and conferred.