Am I eligible to graduate?
You must apply to graduate through MYCSULB Student Center to be eligible to graduate.
If you have applied to graduate for Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 (before the published deadlines), you will be eligible to participate in the May 2020 ceremonies and your name will be listed in the program.
Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies?
If you have applied to graduate through MYCSULB for Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Summer 2020 or Fall 2020, you will be eligible to participate in the May 2020 ceremonies. There is no additional registration required.
What ceremony do I go to if I’m graduating in December?
If you are a Fall 2019 or Fall 2020 candidate, you will be eligible to participate in the 2020 ceremonies and your name will be listed in the 2020 program.
How do I get my name in the program?
If you have applied to graduate for Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 (before the published deadlines), you will be eligible to participate in the May 2020 ceremonies and your name will be listed in the program.
Will my name be announced during the ceremony?
Yes, every graduate will have their name read as they cross the stage, regardless of whether it is listed in the program.
How many tickets do I get and how do I pick them up?
Tickets are required for entry into the following college ceremonies:
- Liberal Arts
- Health and Human Services
- Business
- Engineering
All students will recieve 8 guest tickets. These are free and not for resale.
Tickets are not required for the College of Education, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and College of the Arts ceremonies.
The Distribution Event occurs in May at the University Bookstore. Date TBD.
Those who attend Grad Fair or ordered a cap and gown set online can pick up their pre-ordered graduation items at this event. Ticket distribution will also occur at this Distribution Event. You must present either your CSULB ID card or picture ID, along with your student ID number, to obtain tickets. A friend or family member may pick up your tickets if he/she shows your identification card, if you are unable to come during Bookstore hours.
If you did not pre-order your cap and gown set prior to the Distribution Event, you may come into the Bookstore in May (DTB) to order your items and pick up your commencement tickets.
If you do not pick up your tickets by the times mentioned above, we cannot guarantee you will receive your full number of commencement tickets. At the ceremony, seating is still limited and is available on a first-come, first-seated basis for the folding chairs and grandstands. Guests should plan to arrive at least an hour early to park, enter the event, and find their seats. Dress should be appropriate for sitting outdoors for a little over 2 hours (each ceremony should last about 2 hours).
Tickets will not be required to watch the live stream of the ceremony in the Walter Pyramid. If you have extra guests, we encourage you to invite them to watch the ceremony from this location, which is just north of the track and field. If you have elderly guests, small children, or others who are unable to sit outside, it is recommended that that they view the ceremony in the live-streaming room as it is air conditioned and out of the sun.
Please note, CSULB does not authorize the sale of complimentary tickets.
How do I get my cap and gown?
Cap and gown rental is handled by the University Bookstore. All Commencement services including renting your cap and gown, will be available at the Bookstore throughout the spring semester after March 5th.
Attend the Grad Fair in March (DTB) to get all of your graduation questions answered and pre-order your cap and gown. The last day to pre-order your cap and gown set is TBD.
Those who attended Grad Fair or pre-ordered a cap and gown set online can pick up their pre-ordered graduation items at the Distribution Event occurs in May (TBD) at the University Bookstore.
All walk up orders for cap and gowns and tickets will start in May (TBD) and go through Commencement, during regular bookstore hours.
How do I know if I am graduating with honors?
GPA honors are not recognized at the ceremony. (GPAs are not calculated until your degree has been granted, several weeks after the end of the semester.)
To inquire about honors in the major, go to the major department office.
Where are the ceremonies held?
The Track and Field on lower campus. Folding chairs and grandstand seating will be available for the graduates and guests.
What time should I get there and where do I go?
Graduates should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony to allow time to park, check in and line-up.
At least one hour prior to the ceremony is recommended for guests as well. Guests attending the prior ceremony will be exiting campus as others are arriving. Large crowds are expected, please allow at least one hour to park and walk to the ceremony site. The gates will open 1.5 hours before the ceremony is scheduled.
Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Approx. 12,000 guests will be in attendance for the large Colleges. All ceremonies are held outdoors. Folding chairs on grass and grandstand seating will be available.
Where do I park?
All Student Parking lots and the Parking Structures will be available, free of charge, for guests during the ceremonies. Please refer to the campus map for parking locations. We recommend parking in lots G6 - G9, G11 or the Pyramid Parking Structure as they are closest to the ceremony event site. Access to the event site will be through the west entrances of the University track and field.
ADA parking for guests with a valid handicap placard will be available in Parking Lots G5 and the 1st floor of the Pyramid Parking Structure. Please refer to Grid D4 and Grid E3 on the campus map for parking locations. Please see our page for Disability Related Accommodations for more information.
Do I need to check in when I get there?
Yes, you should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Check-in location is the pathway between Kinesiology building and the Horn Center.
Are there special arrangements for the disabled?
ADA parking for guests with a valid handicap placard will be available in Parking Lots G5 and the 1st floor of the Pyramid Parking Structure. Please refer to Grid D4 and Grid E3 on the campus map for parking locations. Please see our page for Disability Related Accommodations for more information.
The university does not provide wheelchairs and it does not reserve seating for any guests. Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area. For elderly guests, small children, and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live indoors, adjacent to the ceremony site at the Walter Pyramid. Tickets will not be required to watch the live stream of the ceremony in the Walter Pyramid.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request during Commencement ceremonies. Accommodation requests should be submitted by May 1, 2019 through the online request form.
What kind of seating is available?
Folding chairs in the center of the venue on the grass, and grandstands to the east of the stage. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For elderly guests, children and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live inside the Walter Pyramid.
The university does not provide wheelchairs and it does not reserve seating for any guests. Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area.
How do I get pictures?
Professional photographers will be stationed on and around the stage. Proofs of the photos will be emailed to you within three days.
Guests will not be allowed to stand in the aisles or approach the stage to take pictures. Tripods and large video equipment are not allowed.
What will the weather be like?
Typically, it is damp and foggy in the mornings, warm or hot in the afternoons, and breezy and cool in the evenings for the 5 pm ceremony. Rain is uncommon. Light layers are recommended. Most guests will be sitting in the sun.
Sun shades and umbrellas will not be allowed as they will block the view of others.
How long is the ceremony?
Approximately two hours.
Is there a list of local Long Beach Hotels?
The University Housing site offers a list of local hotels and accomodations.
Where do I return my cap and gown?
Gowns and hoods, if applicable, are to be returned at the venue as you exit, there will be "Robe Return" booths stationed on the west side of the venue. You may also return them to the University Bookstore or at The Beach on 2nd Street shop in Belmont Shore.
How do I get my diploma?
Degree clearing takes place in the Office of Enrollment Services during a four to eight week period following the end of your last semester. You will be notified by email when your degree has been granted, and you’ll be given diploma information at that time.
For more information, please contact Enrollment Services: 562.985.5471.
Who can I call for more information?
Each college is responsible for the logistical coordination of its own ceremony. For information regarding your college's ceremony, please contact the appropriate coordinator.