For those who are expecting to earn their degree in 2024, we will be announcing information regarding an in-person commencement this coming Spring that will include eligibility requirements and location information. Please stay tuned for updates and further details.

View Our Past CalSouthern Commencement Ceremonies

While you wait for the big day, we invite you to take a look at videos from our past Commencement ceremonies.

2022 Graduation Ceremony

2021 Graduation Ceremony

2023 CalSouthern Commencement FAQs

 Ceremony Location / Date / Time

When and where is Commencement?

  • CalSouthern’s annual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California. The start time of the ceremony is 10am pt.
  • Graduates should plan to arrive no later than 8:30am.

What is the address of the venue?

  • The ceremony will be held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in the Terrace Theater. 300 E Ocean Blvd #300, Long Beach, CA 90802
  • From Los Angeles International Airport:
    Take the San Diego Freeway (405) south to the Long Beach Freeway (710). Go south on the Long Beach Freeway to the downtown exits. (710 then becomes Shoreline Drive.) Follow Shoreline Drive to Linden Avenue and into the parking lot, or as advised by
  • From Long Beach Airport:
    Take Lakewood Boulevard south to the San Diego Freeway (405). Take the San Diego Freeway (405) north to the Long Beach Freeway (710). Go south on the Long Beach Freeway to the downtown exits. (710 then becomes Shoreline Drive.) Follow Shoreline Drive to Linden Avenue and into the parking lot, or as advised by directional signage.
  • From John Wayne (Orange County) Airport:
    Take the San Diego Freeway (405) north to the Long Beach Freeway (710). Go south on the Long Beach Freeway to the Downtown exits. (710 then becomes Shoreline Drive.) Follow Shoreline Drive to Linden Avenue and into the parking lot or as advised by directional signage.
  • From southern Orange County:
    Take the Santa Ana Freeway (5) north to the San Diego Freeway (405). Take the San Diego Freeway (405) north to the Long Beach Freeway (710). Go south on the Long Beach Freeway to the Downtown exits. (710 then becomes Shoreline Drive). Follow Shoreline Drive to Linden Avenue and into the parking lot or as advised by directional signage.
  • From northern Orange County and the Valleys:
    San Gabriel & Pomona Valleys: Take the Orange Freeway (57) or San Gabriel Freeway (605) to the Riverside Freeway (91) to the Long Beach Freeway (710). Go south on the Long Beach Freeway to the downtown exits. (710 then becomes Shoreline Drive.) Follow Shoreline Drive to Linden Avenue and into the parking lot or as advised by directional signage.

Will there be a virtual event option?

Graduation Fee

What does the $100 Graduation Fee pay for?

  • The Graduation Fee is not related to the Commencement Ceremony in October. This fee covers costs associated with graduation processing. For example, completing the degree verification, updating external portals, and issuing a diploma and transcript. Please note that no diplomas will be awarded at the Commencement Ceremony – instead, you will receive your diploma and transcript in the mail after your degree audit has been completed.

RSVP Process / Eligibility

The main Commencement website URL:

Who is eligible to walk in the ceremony?

  • Any CalSouthern graduate who meets the following criteria is eligible to participate:
    • All coursework and academic requirements of the degree program must be complete, or scheduled to be completed by:
      • Undergraduate and Master’s programs – December 31, 2023.
      • Doctorate programs – Registered to start Doctoral Project V on or before October 1, 2023.
    • All financial obligations must be satisfied, including the payment of all tuition and fees, as well as the graduation audit fee.
    • All learners on monthly payment plans must pay all current/past due tuition and fees by the registration deadline.

If a graduate completed their graduation requirements in a prior session and has already received degree clearance approval from the Registrar’s Office, and Learner Accounts confirms financial obligations are met, they may participate in this or any future CalSouthern commencement ceremony.
Degree Clearance: If the Office of the Registrar has not contacted you during the first month of your final session, please contact your academic advisor. If you have a specific question about your eligibility, please e-mail commencement@calsouthern.edu.

How do I RSVP to attend?

Registration is now closed. Please contact commencement@calsouthern.edu with questions or concerns regarding your attendance the 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

What happens after I RSVP?

  • The Registrar’s Office and Learner Accounts will review your request to participate in the ceremony and ensure that you are eligible to walk this year. If they determine that you are eligible, they will send a confirmation to your e-mail address, so please be sure to check there. You will also receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.

Are there ways to participate virtually?

  • Graduation will be streaming online, so those unable to attend in person will be able to watch the ceremony virtually.

I graduated in a previous year but could not attend at the time. Can I attend this year’s ceremony?

  • Yes. If you are a CalSouthern graduate from a past year, we welcome you join us and celebrate this year. Please keep in mind that any year-specific regalia (tassel, charms or stole of achievement) you order from our vendor this calendar year will state “2023.”
  • If you have earned multiple degrees with CalSouthern, you will walk for the highest awarded degree.

Regalia

How do I order my cap and gown package?

ORDER YOUR REGALIA

  • Order your cap & gown through Jostens.
  • https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1362208/California-Southern-University/
  • Scroll to the “SHOW YOUR PRIDE” section and click the Graduation Caps & Gowns-SHOP tile.
  • Select your package based on degree.
  • Enter “GOWN FIT” (your height/weight)
  • Enter “MAJOR/CURRICULUM” (your program of study)
  • Click “Continue” and “Add to Cart”
  • Complete the Checkout information and click “CHECKOUT.”
  • Please contact Jostens at 800-854-7464 ASAP if you do not receive confirmation of your order.
  • Doctoral and MA Education Graduates ONLY:

Doctoral Students & MA Education Students ONLY:

Doctoral and MA Education graduates who will be teaching at a university may wish to purchase higher quality regalia because they will be wearing it more than once in the coming years as they participate in commencement ceremonies each year. If you’re a Doctoral or MA Education graduate that is interested in made-to-order academic quality regalia, please visit the Jostens Fine Quality Regalia shop below.

CalSouthern Fine Quality Regalia

When is the deadline for ordering regalia?

  • Online regalia ordering deadline: Friday, September 15th, 2023.

I missed the deadline for ordering regalia – what do I do?

Can I decorate the top of my mortarboard cap?

  • Yes, so long as the decoration is limited to the top of the cap, is not distracting or cumbersome, and is family-friendly.

Can I wear a fraternity/sorority sash or cord with my CalSouthern regalia?

  • Yes, so long as it does not obscure any CalSouthern regalia pieces such as the hood or stole of achievement, which should always remain on top.

How do I receive my Honor Cords?

  • If applicable, Academic Honor Cords will be provided to you when you check in for your ceremony. Because your program CGPA must be calculated once your program is fully completed to know your Honors status, it is possible your final Honors status may not be the same as your status as of the Commencement ceremony date.

Ticket and Seating

How do I order tickets?

  • There are no tickets for this event and seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis. We ask that you limit your guest list to seven or less, to allow the opportunity for all graduates to have guests in attendance to celebrate their academic achievement.
  • All graduates can reserve up to 7 guest seats when registering for the event. We will use this submission to gauge audience size against capacity.

How many guests can I invite?

  • Each graduate can reserve up to 7 seats for family and friends when they submit an RSVP via Jostens.

Does the graduating learner need a ticket?

  • The graduating learner does not need a ticket.

Is seating assigned?

  • No. This year’s event is general admission. Each graduate can invite up to 7 guests.

I need special accommodations for myself or a guest.

I am bringing an infant or small child. Do they need a ticket?

They do not need a ticket as there are no tickets for this event. Please note that California fire code regulations stipulate that no strollers can be taken inside of the theater. There will be a reserved space in the lobby for stroller parking.

Will there be a place for me to keep my purse / bag / other belongings if I am walking in the ceremony?

No, there will not be a secure location for you to leave your belongings while you are walking in and attending the ceremony. We ask that you leave any belongings with your guests or in your vehicle so that you do not have to carry them in the procession.

Can my guests have balloons or signs in the audience?

  • No balloons or signs are allowed in the theater as they may block the view for other guests.

Parking

Where can I park at the Long Beach Terrace Theater? How much does it cost to park there?

Parking is $15 per car per entry to any of the Center’s lots. Options can be found here:
https://www.longbeachcc.com/directions-parking/

Photography/Videography

Will there be professional photography?

Yes, professional photographs will be taken during the Graduation Ceremony by Grad Images and made available to you to order online afterward. Please note that to maintain the formality of the Graduation Ceremony, guests are asked to remain seated. Also, only non-flash photography and video recordings on handheld devices will be allowed during the ceremony.

Other Questions

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I speak with?

Contact your Learner Support Advisor or email Commencement@calsouthern.edu.

Accommodations and Things to Do:

  • Long Beach is a waterfront playground located right in the heart of Southern California. Here you can experience it all: a deep-sea adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific, whale watching on the water, shopping in one of the city’s many unique districts, a tour of coastal breweries, a vibrant foodie scene, and so much more.
  • Visit the following webpage for nearby activities and accommodation suggestions:
    https://www.visitlongbeach.com/things-to-do/

Graduate Medallion

  • We are excited to announce that a CalSouthern Medallion will be given to each CalSouthern graduate in attendance.

Graduation Checklist:

  • Submit your R.S.V.P. and order your regalia through Jostens.
  • Make travel reservations in advance: • Flight • Hotel • Car Rental
  • We recommend ordering announcements and invitations at least 3 weeks in advance.
  • Gather information and make reservations if necessary for additional adventures.
  • Share your graduation news on social media! Invite all to watch you walk the stage during our livestream viewing @ https://www.calsouthern.edu/commencement
  • Bring a photo ID card, money for parking, and don’t’ forget your regalia!

Ordering Class Rings/ Graduation Announcements /Diploma Frames

  • To place an order for a class ring, please visit our vendor, Jostens
  • To place an order for personalized graduation announcements, please visit our vendor, Jostens
  • To place an order for a California Southern University diploma frame, please visit our vendor Jostens

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