FAQ

Graduation and Commencement are two different terms. Graduation means actually finishing and completely fulfilling your degree requirements, resulting in a diploma. In other words, graduation is the technical obtainment of credits to receive a degree.

Commencement is the symbolic ceremony marking the closing of your academic career, where you receive commendation for your hard work at CSUDH. It is an opportunity for you, your family, friends, and the CSUDH community to celebrate your accomplishment.

A step-by-step guide for graduates is available on the Graduation Requirements page. The registration deadline is April 15.

No, there is no fee for the Commencement Ceremony. If you have paid the Graduation Fee when filing for graduation, the commencement is included.

You will only need to purchase your regalia (cap, gown, etc.).

In order to be eligible to participate in Commencement, students must be a degree candidate for Fall 2021, Spring 2022 or Summer 2022.

Students are highly encouraged to attend Commencement 101.

Commencement 101 Schedule: LSU Ballroom C

• Tuesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, April 24 at 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 26 at 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 1 at 4 p.m.

Commencement Fair is a one-stop opportunity to fulfill your graduation needs.

It will be held on February 28 and March 1 in the University Bookstore.

It is strongly encouraged that you attend this event, but it is not mandatory. While at Commencement Fair, students will be able to:

• Receive information about their graduation ceremony
• Pre-order a cap and gown
• Purchase graduation announcements, class rings, diploma frames, and other grad-related items
• Join the Alumni Association
• Learn about and contribute to the Senior Class Gift

You can pre-order your cap and gown during Commencement Fair, but will also have an opportunity to order online through Herff Jones.

Unfortunately, you cannot walk in both departments. You will need to choose one major for the ceremony.

It is completely acceptable to decorate your cap. Please be respectful when decorating your cap, but have fun. Please note that your graduation gown should not be decorated.

To be recognized with academic honors, you must have a qualifying GPA prior to the semester in which ceremonies are held. If you subsequently improve your GPA, graduation honors will be posted on the official record and diploma. You will not, however, be able to acquire an honor cord for the Commencement ceremonies. Graduate students are not eligible for honors. To find out if you are receiving academic honors or to purchase an honors cord, please check with the University Bookstore at (310) 243-3829.

The ceremonies will take place in the Dignity Health Sports Park tennis stadium, and will be livestreamed.

The length of each ceremony will depend on the number of participating graduates. It is anticipated that each ceremony will last two hours or less. Out of respect for all participants, graduates must stay throughout the entire ceremony and must remain seated unless otherwise directed by commencement staff.

Yes, we will continue the well-established tradition of having each graduate's name read aloud.

Yes, parking will be free in all CSUDH lots.