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Graduation marks the successful completion of your degree requirements, resulting in the granting of your diploma. It signifies that you have earned the necessary credits to achieve your degree.

Commencement is a symbolic ceremony that celebrates the culmination of your academic journey. It’s a special moment for you, your family, and friends to honor your achievement as you walk across the stage.

Step 1: Apply for Graduation

Each prospective graduate must apply for graduation. The graduation application is available online via your MyCSUDH Student Portal. The graduation fee is due 48 hours after submission and payment can be submitted online, by mail or dropped off at the Cashier’s Office dropbox (no cash accepted, must include student ID on the check).

Please direct any additional questions regarding graduation procedures to the Office of Records and Registration at (310) 243-3645.

Step 2: Register for Commencement

To participate in the spring Commencement ceremony, you must register your intent by completing the online Commencement Participation form. A link will be available to register in mid-February via your MyCSUDH Student Portal.
Registration closes April 15.

No. Tickets are not required to attend, but all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free and no reservation is required.

In order to be eligible to participate in Commencement, students must be a degree candidate for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026.

The length of each ceremony will depend on the number of participating graduates. It is anticipated that each ceremony will last 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Yes, we will continue the well-established tradition of having each graduate’s name read in recognition of their accomplishment. You will be given your name card upon check-in on the day of your ceremony.

Yes, parking will be free on the days of Commencement | May 15 & 16.

Handicap Parking:
• Lot #10 – West side, enter via Avalon Blvd.
• Lot #6 – East side, enter via Victoria St.

Yes, the Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Center is completely accessible by wheelchair for guests or graduating students. For graduating students in wheelchairs, staff and/or volunteers will be available to assist them to the appropriate staging area. Please go to the Student disAbility Resource Center tent upon arrival. The university does not offer wheelchairs or reserved seating.

You can purchase your cap and gown at the University Bookstore, but also have an opportunity to order online through Herff Jones.

Diplomas are not issued at the Commencement ceremony. The process of conferring degrees takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks after grades are submitted at the end of the term. Please contact the registrar's office for further information. registrar@csudh.edu

Yes! Please be respectful when decorating your cap and remember to have fun! Please note that your graduation gown should not be decorated.

To be recognized with academic honors, you must have a qualifying GPA prior to the semester in which ceremonies are held. If you subsequently improve your GPA, graduation honors will be posted on the official record and diploma. You will not, however, be able to acquire an honor cord for the Commencement ceremonies. Graduate students are not eligible for honors. To find out if you are receiving academic honors or to purchase an honors cord, please check with the University Bookstore at (310) 243-3829.

Unfortunately, you cannot participate in both ceremonies. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office of Ceremonies & Events. commencement@csudh.edu

The ceremonies will take place Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium, and will also be livestreamed.