Steps to Graduation

Step 1: Grad Check
Step 2: Tickets
Step 3: GradFest and Orientation
Step 4: Commencement Day

Step 1: Grad Check

Once you have completed your Grad Check, and are a candidate for graduation, you are eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies.

Undergraduate Candidates for the Baccalaureate must pay the $115 graduation/diploma fee and file a request for a grad check two (2) semesters prior to the semester in which they anticipate completing all requirments for a degree.

To Apply: The grad check application form is available on your student portal under "self service." After successfully applying on-line for your grad check, you must go to the student financial services window in UH-180 to pay $115 graduation/diploma fee. Complete information and instructions about the entire graduation check process for undergraduates is available on the university website under "Graduation."

Questions regarding grad check status for undergraduates can be found on their student portal under their Titan Degree Audit (TDA).  At the top of the page it states: "Degree Check Out Status."  If they are a candidate it will say "candidate" and the anticipated date of graduation.  If a student does not see that he has been designated a "candidate" the student may go to the "Student Center" section and look at the "to do" list to see if there is a step they have missed that remains to be done before they can be listed as a candidate.

Masters Degree Candidates

Graduate Candidates for a Master's Degree must pay the $115 graduation/diploma fee and file a request for a grad check prior to their final semester (summer candidates must file before the previous spring semester begins).

To Apply: The grad check application form is available on your student portal under "self service." Immediately after successfully applying on-line for your grad check, you must go to the student financial services window in UH-180 to pay the $115 graduation/diploma fee. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office (MH-103) for any additional questions about the grad check process for graduate students.

For graduate students, when the grad check process is complete, they will receive a letter from Graduate Programs with a copy of their department's recommendation for graduation.

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Step 2: Tickets

Tickets are required for guests at all college and department graduation ceremonies. Tickets are free of charge. Students will get unique tickets good for admittance only into their individual ceremony.

Selling CSUF commencement tickets is strictly prohibited and the university will investigate any report of individuals selling them.  If you have more commencement tickets than you need, please do one of the following: 1) give them to a friend who needs more; 2) turn them in to your college coordinator; 3) turn them in at one of the ticket distribution sites so others can use them; or 4) join the CSUF Commencement 2010 Group on Facebook and post a Discussion Board message to fellow graduates regarding the availability of your excess tickets (All commencement tickets are unique to each of the 20 ceremonies.  Please make sure that you include the specific ceremony in your request for tickets, or for your donation of extra tickets.)

Ticket Distribution Dates and Locations:

Gradfest:

Fullerton Campus:

Irvine Campus:

Find out more at the ticket distribution and GradFest

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Step 3: GradFest

GradFest
Money-saving graduation packages and one-stop graduation shopping will be available at GradFest. This is the ideal opportunity to purchase a cap and gown, pick up your free commencement 2010 tickets, arrange photography appointments, order announcements, purchase a class ring, and pick up additional information on commencement, the CSUF Alumni Association and more.

Main Campus GradFest
Date: 4/6- 4/8, 2010
Location: Fullerton Campus (Tent located in front of Titan Shops)
Time: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Irvine Branch Campus GradFest
Date: 4/15/2010
Location: Irvine Campus
Time: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

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Step 4: Commencement Day

Graduates and guests are expected to conduct themselves with decorum and give proper respect to fellow graduates, guests, and the speakers on the stage. The use of beach balls or other items that detract from the ceremonies is prohibited. Cell phone use is restricted to line up, processional, and recessional; please no cell phones during the Commencement Ceremonies. Everyone attending is expected to remain in their seats until each ceremony is concluded.

Commencement Consists of Two Ceremonies:
University Commencement Ceremony
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Lawn north of the Titan Gymnasium
Format: Keynote Speaker, President & Dignitaries
No tickets required

College/Department Graduations
(Immediately following the conclusion of the University Commencement Ceremony)
Time: Approximately 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Venues campus-wide (Check YOUR Department Venue).
Format: Students are called up individually to receive certificates and shake hands with the department chair.
Tickets Required

Commencement Schedule of Events:

View Commencement Day information for Guests

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