Commencement 2024 FAQ

How do I know if I am eligible to  participate in the 2024 May Commencement ceremony?

Degree candidates for November 2023, December 2023, February 2024, May 2024 and August 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 Commencement ceremony. Completion of degree requirements next Fall (2024) will place you on the May 2025 Commencement list.

• Degree application must be submitted via Student Planning and eligibility determined by 5pm on May 1st, 2024.
  • Degree applications need to be submitted by March 15^th to ensure that your name will appear in the commencement program.
  • Participation in the 2024 Commencement ceremony is only available to eligible students who will complete their degree in May or August 2024 or completed their degree in November and December 2023.
• You can check your progress in Student Planning to ensure you have met you degree requirements.
  • For the remaining courses of your degree requirements, you need to be currently enrolled for this term and/or preregistered for upcoming summer term at Cal Lutheran.
  • All incomplete and in-progress grades from previous terms need to have an appropriate letter grade. If this applies to you, then you should check with the instructor of the course to submit a grade change.
  • If you have taken courses that need to substituted for a required degree course, you should work with your Student Success Counselor or Program Advisor and submit the required substitution form.
  • If any part of the degree requirement is outstanding or unfilled, then you may be marked as ineligible and may not be able to participate in the May commencement ceremony.
  • If you are currently in the process of completing your degree requirements and are still ineligible after two weeks from submitting your degree application, then you should contact your Student Success Counselor in Academic Services (if you are a Traditional Undergraduate Student). Bachelor's Degree for Professionals and Graduate students should contact their Program Advisor.

Do I need a Cap and Gown?

Yes, if the graduate plans to walk across the stage, they will need a cap and gown.

How do I order my Cap and Gown?

You can purchase and pick up your cap and gown directly through the Cal Lutheran Campus Bookstore. They will begin selling the regalia and diploma frames on Monday,  February 13, 2024. They will be available for purchase up to the day before the ceremonies.

I earned Honors. How do I get my cord and/or medal?

Academic Services will be sending an email to students who received Honors closer to Commencement with instructions on where to pick up your regalia. Typically it is a couple of weeks before the event.

How long will the ceremony be?

The ceremony will be approximately two to two and a half hours.  

Will the ceremony be live streamed?

Yes, it will be live streamed on the main Cal Lutheran website during the ceremony.

Will the graduates names be read?

Yes, as the graduates’ cross the stage, their name will be read. 

Will there be a photographer?

Yes, there will be a photographer taking a picture of the graduates.

Where are the best places to take pictures?

There is no designated place to take pictures during the ceremony. You will need to take any desired pictures from your seat so other guests’ views are not obstructed. However, there are beautiful locations around campus where you can take pictures before or after the ceremony, such as the Enormous Luther statue (Gumby), Olson Gazebo in Kingsmen Park, All Nations Plaza fountain, etc. There also will be a photo wall in University Plaza in front of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, as well as a complimentary “360 Photo Experience” booth at the Enormous Luther statue in front of Pearson Library.

What time do the graduates need to arrive?

Graduates will need to check in one hour prior to their ceremony. They will check in on the backside of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center near the pool. There will be signage to indicate where to enter. 

How do I order my Cap and Gown?

Graduates should order their cap and gown through the bookstore. You can go into the bookstore directly to order in person or call at 805-493-3270.

Special Bundle Pricing for Cap and Gown

Where will the ceremony be held?

The 2023 Commencement Ceremonies will be held on campus in Rolland Stadium.

Can we bring our own food and drink?

Food and drink are not allowed into the Rolland Stadium.

When will the gates open?

The gates will open an hour before the ceremony.

Can I bring balloons?

Balloons are not allowed into the stadium or Gilbert Arena. You will need to leave them in your car.

Will I need a ticket for the ceremony?

Students do not need a ticket for the ceremony. All guests entering the stadium will need a ticket to enter.

How do I obtain a ticket to attend?

Eligible Graduates will be able to claim their tickets through an online site on Wednesday, February 1, 2024. 

How do I send my ticket to family?

In the ticketing site, you will go to "your orders" and will have the option to download all tickets on a mobile device or print as a PDF. You also have the option to send individual tickets to different people. Please make sure you do not send the same ticket to multiple people as the tickets do have a unique barcode on them and will only scan once.

Do children need a ticket to enter?

Anyone who is two (2) years old and older will require a ticket for entry. Any child under two (2), that will be sitting on a lap, does not require a ticket.

What if I would like more tickets to attend?

On Tuesday, February 28th, 2024, at 5:00pm any tickets that were unclaimed will be put into an additional pool. Students will then have the opportunity to claim additional tickets (up to 4 additional tickets) beginning on Wednesday, March 1 at 9:00am.

Then, on Friday, April 21, 2024, at 5:00pm any tickets that were unclaimed will be added to the appeal process pool.

 Additional Ticket Request Process: https://www.callutheran.edu/commencement/tickets.html