Participating in the Ceremony

Step 1: Apply for Graduation

Each prospective graduate must file for graduation.The Graduation Application is available in the Office of Admissions and Records or online via the MyCSUDH Student Center portal. The completed application should be taken to the Cashier’s Office with the payment of $85.00 during the announced filing periods.

More information about applying for graduation is available on the Graduation Application web page. Please direct any additional questions regarding graduation procedures to the Office of Records and Registration at (310) 243-3645.

Step 2: Register for Commencement

All undergraduate and graduate students who apply for graduation during the fall 2019, spring 2020, or summer 2020 are eligible to participate in spring Commencement exercises. In order to participate in the spring Commencement exercises, you must register your intent by completing the online Commencement Participation form. Students can access this form in their my.CSUDH Student Center. Simply login to your my.CSUDH account and look for the Commencement Participation link located in the Important Student Links box in your Student Center. The deadline for registering is April 15.

Step 3: Attend Commencement Fair & Commencement 101

The CSUDH Commencement Fair is an opportunity to get all of the essentials for commencement including cap, gown, and tassel (which are required for the ceremony). Additional commencement items such as honor braids, invitations, announcements, class rings, and CSUDH gear will also be for sale.

When: February 24 & 25, 2020 | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: University Bookstore

Can't make Commencement Fair? Check out the online Commencement Store for more information on how to purchase these items online.

Commencement 101 is an informational seminar that provides you with all the information you need to prepare for your walk across the stage. It is held several times each year, so prospective graduates should be able to find one that fits their schedule.

(NO registration is required to attend Commencement 101.)

All Commencement 101 meetings have been postponed until further notice.

If you cannot attend Commencement 101, you can download the 2020 Commencement Handbook [PDF].

Step 4: Attend Your College Commencement Ceremony

Graduating students participating in the 2020 Commencement Ceremonies will arrive 90 minutes before their ceremony in the Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field facility.

Note to Graduates

Please arrive at the assembly area in cap and gown.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be processing down a sloped ramp into the stadium area.
Graduates will line up according to college and by major. The areas will be clearly marked with signs.
Do not bring prohibited items into the stadium.
There will be restrooms in the staging area.

How to Participate