Special Information
Caps and Gowns, Graduation Invitations and Class Rings
Order forms for caps, gowns, personalized announcements and class rings will be available at the Bookstore, ADEP and Graduate Enrollment offices. Cap and gown orders must be placed directly through the Bookstore (805-493-3270).
Jostens (1-800-353-5299) representatives will be on campus early next semester to take class ring and graduation invitation orders (exact date to be determined).
Deadlines for Cap and Gown purchasing:
For standard processing: March 31st. After that, $5 late fee until April 16th. $10 late fee from the 16th till the 30th of April. Final Order Deadline for a cap and gown is April 30th.
Special Needs
California Lutheran University strives to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any graduating student or a guest attending commencement, requiring accommodations for a disability, needs to email the Accessibility Resources Program Coordinator at arp@callutheran.edu at least one month prior to Commencement.Go to www.callutheran.edu/caar for all the details. If you wish to receive this material in an alternative format please contact the Accessibility Resource Program office directly. One guest may sit with the individual needing special accommodations in the reserved seating area. After calling the A.R.P. Coordinator to request reserved seating, the graduating student must pick up the accessible seating area tickets from the Center for Academic and Accessibility Resources office. The tickets must be presented at the reserved/accessible seating area gate on the day of commencement.
International Students
The International office provides graduating international students with stoles representing their country to wear at the graduation ceremony each spring. To pre-order a stole, please sign up in the Office at the beginning of February. Stoles cost $25.
If you would like to carry the flag from your country at the ceremony, please contact Linda Boberg at lboberg@callutheran.edu or call 805-493-3323 by April 15.
Commencement Speaker
All Graduate students are eligible to compete for the position of Graduate Commencement Speaker. The role of the graduate speaker is to represent the graduating class and to carry the message of the class to the graduation audience (families, friends, faculty, and staff of CLU). Remarks must be 3-5 minutes when read.
Judges selected from various graduate programs will independently and anonymously review written submissions and select finalists to move forward for video auditions. If you are interested in speaking as the Doctoral or Graduate candidate please contact Leisa at lacontre@callutheran.edu or (805) 493-3510.
Pictures
During the Commencement ceremony all personal photographs and videos must be taken from designated areas. A professional photographer will be taking pictures of the graduates receiving diplomas. Proofs will be sent directly to your home address. (Ultimate Exposures, Inc., formerly California Candids - 818-982-6980, www.ultimateexposures.com) A video will also be available. For more information about the video, check at the video information booth at Commencement or call Glen Rewal (805) 493-3949.
Flowers
Flowers will be sold at the Chapel and outside the entrance to Rolland Stadium during the day's activities. Rose and orchid corsages, bouquets and leis will sold on a cash-and-carry basis. A percentage of the proceed will go to CLU Student Programs.
Food and Beverages
Food and beverage items may be purchased at The Purple People Eater Food Trailer which is located near the main stadium entrance. No food or beverages, other than water, can be brought into the stadium. The Departmental Receptions will begin immediately following the Commencement ceremony in the Lundring Events Center and Gilbert Arena.
Commencement Day Tips
Arrive early! Parking and seating are on a first-come, first-server basis. The weather can be unpredictable. Since Commencement takes place outdoors, please consider the weather when planning for the day. Suggested items to bring include hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, blankets, umbrellas and water. The graduates will be recessing to University Plaza between the Rolland Stadium and the Gilbert Sport and Fitness Center after the ceremony. It is best to confirm with them prior to the ceremony a place to meet after the ceremony.
