Graduation and Commencement Overview
Graduation is the official process of earning a degree or certificate that happens each quarter. Commencement is the annual event in June where we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments along with family, faculty and staff, and the community.
Following are the steps to graduate and attend commencement.
Step 1: Talk with Your Advisor
Discuss your academic progress with your advisor. They will help you determine if you are close to completing a credential (certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree) and are able to graduate.
Step 2: Apply to Graduate
Graduation is the official process of earning a degree or certificate. When you apply to graduate, advisors and staff in the Registrar’s Office at your college check that all program requirements have been satisfied.
Refer to your college’s graduation website for information about applying for graduation, deadlines, and related information.
Step 3: Registrars Send List of Eligible Graduates to Commencement Committee
In mid-May of Spring Quarter, the registrars at each college compile a list of eligible graduates and provide that list to the Commencement Committee. The list is used to develop the commencement program and notify graduates about the commencement ceremony.
Step 4: Commencement Committee Notifies Eligible Graduates About Commencement Ceremony
Once they receive the list of eligible graduates from the registrars, the Commencement Committee notifies all eligible graduates about the commencement ceremony. Eligible graduates are notified through the email address and mobile phone on file in ctcLink.
Step 5: Register for Commencement
Commencement is the annual event in June where we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments along with family, faculty and staff, and the community.
Eligible graduates are invited to register to attend the commencement ceremony through the email address and mobile phone on file in ctcLink.
Note: Commencement 2023, will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023, at T-Mobile Park.
Step 6: Attend Commencement
Attend commencement. A cap and gown are required for all graduates participating in the commencement ceremony.
Bring your mobile phone so you can show the digital Grad Pass that was sent to you by email. The Grad Pass is used to announce your name.
If you do not have a mobile phone, when you check in at T-Mobile Park you will receive a printed Grad Pass card. You must bring either a digital or printed Grad Pass to present before you walk across the stage at commencement.
Graduates are asked to arrive at 3 p.m. to check in and allow time to pass through security. Line up for the processional is at 4:30 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with the processional.
Step 7: Receive Your Diploma
Central and North graduates will receive their diploma by mail.
South graduates will be notified by postcard about options to receive their diploma.