Graduate Checklist

Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation and commencement are two separate processes:

Graduation

Graduation is the official completion of your degree requirements and the process by which your degree is awarded.
Graduation is managed by the Office of the Registrar in Enrollment Management Services.
You must submit a graduation application in My�� by the posted deadlines to be considered for graduation and to receive your diploma.

Commencement

Commencement is the ceremonial event celebrating your academic achievement.
Participation in commencement does not mean your degree has been officially awarded.
Commencement is coordinated by the Commencement Office in University Advancement.
To participate, you must register separately using the commencement registration (RSVP) link that is emailed to eligible students.

Step 1: Apply to graduate

How to apply

Log in to Student Center in My��.
Locate the "Apply for Graduation" field and follow the prompts for the correct graduation term.

Important requirements

You must have at least 85 semester units completed.
You must be fully classified in your major (not in pre-major status).
You must apply by the deadlines listed below. Missing the deadline may delay the processing of your diploma and also could prevent you from receiving your commencement registration (RSVP) link.

Graduation Application Deadline
Degree level	Fall deadline	Spring deadline	Summer deadline
Undergraduate student (bachelor's)	Nov. 1	March 15	March 15
Graduate student (master's)	Nov. 1	March 15	March 15

Note for undergraduates: If you have not yet completed 85 units, your application will be canceled. This may delay when you receive your enrollment date.

Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for commencement.

If you apply for graduation after the deadlines above:

you may not be notified about commencement.
you may not receive a registration link for commencement.
your name may not appear in the digital program.
you must contact the Commencement Office via email to request a registration link.

Submitting a late graduation application may also affect:

the number of guest tickets available to you (due to venue capacity).
the ability of the professional voice artist to record your name.
your ability to obtain a digital or physical Stage Passin advance (you may need to visit the help desk at graduate check-in on commencement day).

For detailed instructions and resources on how to apply to graduate, visit the Office of the Registrar’s graduation application page.

Step 2: RSVP to attend commencement

You must pre-register by the deadline to participate in commencement. Day-of walk-ins are not permitted. You’ll receive an email in your �� account with instructions on how to access the commencement registration (RSVP) link via our third-party platform.

Registering ensures that we can:

meet state event permit and venue requirements.
provide enough staffing and accommodations for all graduates and guests.

Important notes:

Ceremonies may reach capacity; late registrations are not guaranteed.
Check your �� email regularly (including spam/junk folders), as well as the commencement website and official for updates.
You are responsible for contacting the Commencement Office by email before the deadline if you do not receive your registration link or other communications.

Commencement registration deadlines:

Spring commencement: April 15, 11:59 p.m.
Fall commencement: Nov. 10, 11:59 p.m.

For questions regarding commencement, email the Commencement Office.

Step 3: Review your graduation status

Log in to Student Center and check your Academic Requirements Report (ARR).
The ARR tracks the completion of your degree requirements, including:
- courses completed at ��.
- courses in progress.
- approved transfer coursework and test credit.

What to check

You must have at least 120 total units to graduate.
Confirm that all grades (including previously incomplete grades) are posted accurately.
Confirm that all transfer work is included.
If you notice any discrepancies, contact the Office of the Registrar right away.

Graduation status in your ARR

Once you apply for graduation, your ARR will show “Applied for Graduation” under the Graduation Status
This status will remain until your degree is officially conferred (awarded).

Best practice
Meet with an academic adviser to make sure you are on track to graduate in the term you selected on your graduation application. Visit the Academic Advising website to connect with an adviser.

Step 4: Verify your name and mailing address in your student account

It is your responsibility to verify that the following is correct in :

Your primary name is spelled correctly (this is what will appear on your diploma, the stage display screen, and in the digital program).
Your mailing address is up to date (your diploma will be mailed there once your degree is awarded).

Important reminders

If your diploma is mailed to an outdated address, you are responsible for any re-processing and mailing fees.
Name change requests submitted after the commencement registration deadline may not appear:
- on the commencement stage display screen.
- in the digital program or other publications in time for commencement.
Name change requests made after your diploma has been mailed will also incur additional re-processing and mailing fees.

For detailed instructions on updating your name or mailing address, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website. Update your primary name and address as early as possible to ensure accuracy for both commencement and diploma processing.

Step 5: Clear outstanding balances and holds

Log in to to check for any outstanding fees, including tuition, parking citations and library fines. All balances must be paid in full before the end of the term. For questions, please contact Student Financial Services.

Diplomas may not be released until all financial obligations to the university have been resolved. Visit the Office of the Registrars website for information about holds and the Student Financial Services website for payment instructions.

If a hold is cleared after commencement, you must notify the Office of the Registrar to ensure that your diploma is printed and mailed.

Step 6: Pre-purchase the Class Champion Package - Alumni Association

Your journey with �� doesn't end at graduation. It continues with the Alumni Association, where we celebrate and support each other beyond campus. You'll be joining thousands of alumni who, like you, want to stay connected and make a difference. Get our exclusive , only available to the Class of 2025 (cost is $60, while supplies last).

Why join?

Career growth: Gain access to networking events, job boards and alumni mentorship programs that can help you advance in your career.
Lifelong connections: Stay in touch with fellow alumni who share your pride and passion for ��, whether locally or across the globe.
Give back: Support current students, contribute to scholarships and be a part of building the future of ��.

What the package includes

Two years (for the price of one) of new grad Alumni Association membership (including all �� alumni benefits)
Gift to student philanthropy scholarship
Exclusive �� donor cord for commencement
�� alumni tote bag
�� alumni license plate frame
�� alumni keychain
�� alumni T-shirt

Class Champion packages can be picked up at GradFest.

Step 7: Attend GradFest

GradFest is your first opportunity to purchase graduation gear and accessories, including:

cap and gown
diploma frames
graduation announcements
orchid leis
kukui nut leis
college jewelry
Alumni Association membership

Graduation portraits also will be available at GradFest. There is no sitting fee, and no purchase is required.

Special bundle pricing may be available on select products during GradFest.

Fall commencement GradFest

Nov. 20, 2025
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dome Terrace

Spring commencement GradFest

March 4-5, 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
USU Ballroom

For more details, visit the GradFest website.

Can’t attend GradFest? You still can purchase items in person or online at the �� University Store after the event.

Step 8: Visit the Career Center

The Career Center empowers students and alumni to design and manage their career paths with clarity, competence and confidence.

Services include:

self-assessment instruments
résumé and cover letter reviews
mock interviews
job search assistance
career counseling
job fairs and networking events
career workshops and information sessions
graduate school advising

All Career Center services are available free of charge for six months after graduation. After that period, you can continue accessing services by joining the Alumni Association.

For more details, visit the Career Center website.

Step 9: Complete your �� Exit Survey

As an eligible graduate, you will receive an email in your �� inbox about 3-4 weeks before commencement inviting you to complete an exit survey about your post-graduation plans. Your responses will help the university improve programs and initiatives that support student and alumni career development.

Graduates who complete the survey by the deadline specified in the email will be eligible to pick up a commemorative �� alumni pin at their commencement ceremony.

For questions, please contact the Office of Institutional Planning & Analysis.

Step 10: Commemorate your achievement

Make your commencement day unforgettable with keepsakes and photos you’ll cherish for years to come.

Pre-order leis and bouquets
Celebrate your achievement with an orchid lei, flower bouquet or a ��-branded kukui nut necklace. These items look great in photos and make meaningful gifts. Pre-ordered items will be available for pickup at tents located around the venue on commencement day.

Graduation portraits at GradFest
Take advantage of professional graduation portraits during GradFest.There’s no sitting fee or obligation to purchase, and caps and gowns are provided for the session. You’ll receive digital proofs within 24-48 hours and can decide which photos you’d like to order.

Commencement day photos
Difranco Photography will capture your big moment on stage with the president, as well as a photo offstage with your diploma cover. Proofs will be emailed within 24–48 hours for your review and purchase.

Step 11: Learn about degree conferral and diploma

At commencement, you will receive a diploma cover only, not your actual diploma.

Diplomas are typically mailed 8-12 weeks after final grades are posted and your degree has been conferred officially.

Degree conferral notifications
You will receive a degree conferral email in your �� account:

mid-January for fall graduates
early July for spring graduates
early September for summer graduates

This email is also available in the Communication Center of . Please read this email carefully, as it includes instructions on creating an , the third-party vendor that prints and mails diplomas.

Diploma Mailing
Once your degree has been conferred, your diploma will be mailed via USPS first-class mail. Please ensure that your mailing address in My�� is up to date and that your mailbox can hold an oversized envelope (approximately 9x12 inches). If your mailbox cannot accommodate large envelopes, your diploma may be returned to the university, and you will be responsible for any re-processing and mailing fees.

For full details, visit the diploma information page on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Questions about diplomas or degree conferral can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@csusm.edu.

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