How do I know if I am eligible to participate in the 2023 May Commencement ceremony?
Degree candidates for November 2022, December 2022, February 2023, May 2023 and August
2023 are eligible to participate in the May 2023 Commencement ceremony. Completion
of degree requirements next Fall (2023) will place you on the May 2024 Commencement
list.
- Degree application must be submitted via Student Planning and eligibility determined by 5pm on May 1st, 2023.
- Degree applications need to be submitted by March 15th to ensure that your name will appear in the commencement program.
- Participation in the 2023 Commencement ceremony is only available to eligible students
who will complete their degree in May or August 2023 or completed their degree in
November and December 2022.
- 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, 2023. 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
Commencement Information for Students
