Frequently Asked Questions

Please check this page often as we begin updating this page with content specific to Commencement 2024.

Table of Contents

General FAQ

What is Commencement?

Commencement ceremonies at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are ceremonies for graduation candidates, and not degree conferral ceremonies. Participation in a ceremony does not guarantee degree certification. Candidates who are denied degree conferral will receive notification by mail from the Registrar’s Office. Denied candidates are required to reapply and pay the current fee for another graduation check, once all degree requirements are met.

What is the difference between Graduation & Commencement?

Graduation is the conferral of a degree and the issuance of a diploma. A student graduates when they have applied to graduate online on CI Records and have met all formal degree requirements. For a guide on how to apply to graduate online, please click here.

Commencement is the formal ceremony that is held each May to recognize the achievements of degree candidates, graduates, and teaching credential recipients.

At what time should I arrive to Commencement?

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we recommend arriving early on the day of the ceremony to avoid rushing. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in May, so it's likely to be quite hot. It's a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and try to stay cool. As there will be only two ceremonies this year, please keep in mind that parking will be limited and is likely to fill up quickly. By arriving early, you'll also have a better chance of finding good seats for you and your guests. Remember that seating is first-come, first-served, so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing great seats.

You should arrive 1.5 hours before your commencement. For a 9am ceremony, arrive by 7:30am; for a 3pm ceremony, arrive by 1:30pm.

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Eligibility & Participation

How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

If you have not done so, check with your academic advisor to make sure you have met all of the requirements to graduate. Make sure you have applied to graduate online via your Student Center in CI Records. Priority deadlines, as well as a how-to guide for applying to graduate online, can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. Academic advising assistance is also available through the Academic Advising Center, located in the Bell Tower, 1595, 805-437-8571.

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What do I need to do to participate in Commencement?

You will need to complete an online registration by April 13, 2024 . If you would like your name announced as your slide appears, you need to submit your name pronunciation through the registration portal by April 13, 2024. Due to logistical needs, no additional submissions will be taken after April 13.

The registration link is located on the Commencement homepage. You will be asked to confirm spelling of your name, and provide basic information
Once you have completed the online reservation, you will receive an email confirmation that you have completed the process and are therefore eligible to participate in your assigned ceremony.

How will my name appear in the Commencement Program?

You can make sure your name appears as you would like it to in the program by updating your diploma name in CI Records before April 13, 2024.

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What if I cannot complete the online reservation form?

If you are receiving a message regarding being ineligible to complete the online reservation, have you applied for graduation in your myCI or changed your graduation term and paid your graduation/change fee? Exception: Credential students do not need to apply for graduation. If you answered yes to the above question or you are a credential student and are still having issues registering online for Commencement, please contact the appropriate person listed below:

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I will complete my degree in Fall 2024. Can I participate in the upcoming Spring 2024 ceremony?

Only students who have completed their degree or credential requirements by Spring 2024 or will complete their work in Spring/Summer 2024 can participate in Commencement per the Academic Senate Policy on Student Participation in Commencement Exercises (SP#: 09-10).Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you have any further questions: 805-437-8500 or registrar@csuci.edu. It is the student's responsibility to submit the petition to participate in commencement if requesting an exception to the terms eligible for the commencement ceremony. For example if you will be graduating in Fall 2024 and would like to participate in commencement in May for Spring 2024 please submit the following: Petition to Participate in Commencement. 

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Names

What name will appear in the commencement program?

Commencement program will print the Diploma Name on file. If there is no Diploma Name on file, your primary name on file will be listed. Please be sure to update your diploma name by following the steps below by April 13, 2024:

  1. Log in to you myCI Account
  2. Click on the CI Records Tile
  3. Under the Personal Information section, click on the Names link
  4. In the Names page, click the dropdown menu under Add a New Name
  5. Select Diploma
  6. Click Add
  7. Enter your preferred First and Middle name to print on your Diploma
  8. Click Save
  9. 9. Review the new Diploma Name and make any edits with the Pencil icon
  10. Your Diploma Name is now in the system and will appear on your Graduation Application Status page and your Diploma.

Marching Order will have the name on how you want it pronounced on stage.

 

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What do I need to do to participate in Commencement?

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Diplomas

When will I receive my diploma?

Degrees will not be handed out prior to Commencement. Diplomas will be ordered following verification of degrees by the Registrar’s Office. You will be notified by letter confirming that you have successfully completed all degree requirements. Diplomas will be sent to the mailing address on file in your myCI account. Expect delivery approximately four to eight weeks after your degree posts. Transcripts needed prior to the arrival of the diploma must be requested through the normal process. Please visit the Registrar’s Office website for the official request form.

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Honors

If I am a candidate to graduate with honors, where do I get my honors cord or medallion?

Students who qualify for academic honors can pick up their cords or medallions at GradFest on March 27th and 28th. If you cannot attend GradFest, a family member or friend is welcome to pick up regalia as long as they have a text, email, or note from the graduate giving the okay for them to do so.

 To receive honors at graduation at CSU Channel Islands, a student must:

  1. Complete a minimum 30 units of courses taken at CSUCI for a letter grade.
  2. Earn a grade point average of 3.50 or above in all work taken at CSUCI.
  3. Earn the following cumulative grade point average in all undergraduate courses, including transfer work:
      • Summa Cum Laude – this honor is awarded to all students who earn a grade point average of 3.90 – 4.0.
      • Magna Cum Laude – this honor is awarded to all students who earn a grade point average of 3.75 – 3.89.
      • Cum Laude – this honor is awarded to all students who earn a grade point average of 3.50 – 3.74.

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GradImages

Register for your graduation ceremony photos and get 20% off of any packages that are $50 or more. Receive a coupon for 20% when you register before graduation day.

Picture proofs will be emailed to each graduate 48-72 hours following the ceremony. A paper proof will also be delivered to the graduate with ordering information via the U.S. Postal service. There is no obligation to purchase. 

For more information visit our website: www.gradimages.com 

Graduation Packages Prices

Graduate Special Package Pearlized

1 8x10, 4 5x7s~*~ pearlized paper

$61.95

Graduate Special Package

1 8x10, 4 5x7s~*~ not protected

$49.95

1 8x10

1 8x10 ~*~ not protected

$21.99

1 5x7

1 5x7 ~*~ not protected

$9.95

Wallets - 1 set

1 set (8 wallets)

$26.99

Commencement Plaque

includes a 5x7 for the plaque

$59.95

Download All Images

Full-size printable images of all personal photos as they came from the camera

$99.95

Single Image Download

Full-size printable image of your choice

$44.95

Graduate Support

Who do I contact after graduation if I have any questions on career support, staying in contact or if I’m interested in becoming a member of the Alumni & Friends Association?

The Alumni & Friends Association is your link back to CSUCI. If you have any questions after graduation and need assistance, Alumni & Friends is here to help point you in the right direction. Also, being a part of the membership program provides you with career support and many ways to stay in touch with other alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Contact us directly at alumni.friends@csuci.edu.

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Ceremony Information

Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 9 a.m.

Undergraduate students earning degrees in the following academic programs:

Anthropology, Art, Chicana/o Studies, Communication, Dance Studies, Early Childhood Studies, English, History, Liberal Studies, Music, Performing Arts, Psychology, and Spanish

Graduate students earning master’s degrees in the following academic programs:

Education, Educational Leadership

Students earning Credentials

Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 3 p.m.

Undergraduate students earning degrees in the following academic programs:

Applied Physics, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science & Resource Management, Global Studies, Health Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Mechatronics Engineering, Nursing, Political Science, Sociology

Graduate students earning master’s degrees in the following academic programs:

Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Biotechnology/Business Administration (MSB, MBA), Business Administration (MBA), Computer Science, Mathematics, Nursing

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Do I need a ticket?

No. Tickets are not required for the 2024 Commencement ceremonies, and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. Each ceremony will be live streamed so additional family and friends may join in celebrating your achievement.

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Do all my guests need tickets?

No. Tickets are not required for the 2024 Commencement ceremonies, and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. Each ceremony will be live streamed so additional family and friends may join in celebrating your achievement.

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Parking Information

Parking Permits
Parking on campus is limited and will be subject to traffic control by Public Safety at the time of your arrival. Each graduate who requests Commencement parking is eligible to receive two (2) parking permits. Candidates may either use the permit(s) or provide them to family or friends, but each candidate will only receive two (2) parking permits for use at Commencement. Commencement parking permits and maps are available for pick-up at Public Safety, located in Placer Hall, adjacent to the A-1 parking lot, on a first-come, first served basis. Since there is a limited number of parking passes per student, we ask that additional guests take alternative transportation via the Metrolink-shuttle service. Park at the Metrolink lot on Lewis Road and wait for the shuttle to campus. The main event parking lot is the A3 parking lot, located just off the University Drive entrance. The A3 parking lot is an approximately .03 mile walk from the ceremony venue.

On the day of Commencement, only those vehicles with a University-issued Commencement Parking Permit will be allowed to park on campus. Student parking permits, student housing parking permits, day permits and other regularly issued University parking permits are not valid for Commencement.

Q: Where should my guests and I park?
A: Degree candidates should enter at University Drive from Lewis Road. Make sure your Commencement Parking Permit is placed on your dashboard before arriving at the campus so parking officers can quickly direct you to an appropriate parking area. We strongly recommend that your family and friends carpool using one of your Commencement Parking Permits.

Q: Are there disability parking accommodations?
A: Yes, there are accessible parking areas designated for candidates and guests with disabilities available on a first-come, first-served basis. On the day of Commencement, only those vehicles with a University-issued Commencement Parking Permit will be allowed to park on campus. Student parking permits, student housing parking permits, day permits and other regularly issued University parking permits are not valid for Commencement.

Candidates and guests who possess a government-issued Disabled Person(s) Parking Placard must display the placard upon entrance to the campus in conjunction with the Commencement Parking Permit on the day of Commencement in order to be directed to the designated parking areas.

Limited wheelchairs will be available to transport the elderly or guests who require disability accommodations. For general information about on-campus parking or transportation services please contact Public Safety at 805-437-8430

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What if I forget to register and the deadline to RSVP has passed?

It is very important that you register to attend Commencement by the advertised deadlines. Failure to do so may preclude your ability to participate in the ceremony.

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Does my Grad Pass work for all ceremonies?

No, your grad pass will only provide you entrance to your assigned ceremony.

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Once I register, how will I receive my Grad Pass?

You will not receive an electronic Grad Pass. You will be given a paper Grad Pass when you check-in on the day of your ceremony. Plan to arrive an hour in advance of your designated ceremony time to allow ample time for parking and check-in.

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How do I scan my Grad Pass?

Your paper Grad Pass issued at graduate check-in will be scanned by event staff before you cross the stage at your ceremony.

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Can my family or friends watch my ceremony virtually?

Yes, we will be livestreaming each ceremony. On the day of Commencement, A link to the livestream will go up on the Commencement website.

How far is the main parking lot from the ceremony?

The main parking lot (lot A3) is 0.3 miles from the ceremony site (South Quad). A limited quantity of wheelchairs will be available for elderly or informed guests who may not be able to walk the .3 mile distance from the main event parking lot (lot A3) to the ceremony site (South Quad). These wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis and will be available to check-out at a location near the main parking lot (lot A3).

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Event Details

Can I use confetti to celebrate my graduation?

Graduating students may be tempted to use colorful confetti or glitter to create social media-worthy photos on campus. However, we strongly encourage you to reconsider the products you use to get those images. Confetti cannons can leave litter on campus for weeks, which can diminish the university's beauty and add an undue burden on custodial and landscaping staff. This debris is nearly impossible to clean up and has negative impacts on the local environment. It can be mistaken for food by wildlife, can run into waterways, break down into microplastics, and contribute to ocean pollution.

Therefore, while taking your graduation photos this year, please keep in mind that confetti is litter. Although it makes for some fun and celebratory images, its negative effects remain in our local environment for much longer than the time it takes to snap a photo.

What happens if it rains?

Commencement will happen as planned on the South Quad, rain or shine.

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Is smoking allowed?

No, effective August 23, 2017, CSUCI is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. The following will be not be allowed:

  • Use of any smoke-emitting products including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, vapor devices, or similar products, are all prohibited on University-owned property.
  • Tobacco and nicotine use in any form whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means. FDA approved tobacco cessation products when used for this purpose are exempt.

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Can I bring my pet to the ceremony?

Only well-behaved service dogs are allowed. You must pick-up after them and they must be on a leash.

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Important Reminders for Graduates

  • Complete the online RSVP to Participate no later than April 13, 2024.
  • Pick up parking permits no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024.
  • Degree candidates should arrive an hour in advance of their designated ceremony time in order to allow ample time for parking and check-in.
  • Leave personal items such as purses, cameras, etc. with family members. There are no secure areas during Commencement for you to leave such items.
  • Due to safety reasons, children of degree candidates may not be seated in the graduate seating area.
  • Bachelor degree candidates should wear their tassel on the right.
  • Bachelor degree candidates with honors may wear the cords or medallions they received.
  • Master’s, Doctoral and Credential candidates should wear their tassel on the left.
  • As a matter of courtesy and respect for your fellow graduates, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.
  • Please do not bring horns, canned string, beach balls, etc., as they are not suitable for Commencement.
  • Please do not bring non-biodegradable confetti or any other item that can cause environmental damage to campus.
  • Alcohol is NOT permitted on campus during the ceremonies.

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