Commencement at Cal State LA takes place each year at the end of the spring semester. These ceremonies honor students who completed their degrees in the previous fall, as well as candidates for graduation in winter, spring, and summer of the current academic year.
For Commencement 2026, students earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026, or summer 2026 are invited to participate in the May 2026 ceremonies at the historic Shrine Auditorium. Each ceremony will be organized by college, and graduates will be automatically assigned to a ceremony based on their college, department, and major.
For event details including the full schedule, please visit the Commencement 2026 section of the website regularly as information is posted as soon as they are confirmed.
Until Commencement
Graduation vs Commencement
Graduation and Commencement are two different things. Graduation is when the student has officially completed all their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony in which degrees are conferred and celebrates the achievement of the students who have graduated or will soon graduate during the academic year.
To officially graduate from Cal State LA, students must satisfy all University, college, and departmental requirements for their specific bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Graduation is managed by the Graduation Office, which is part of the Registrar's Office. The Graduation Office evaluates graduation applications and other educational records, including honors eligibility, for the purpose of awarding degrees.
Diplomas are mailed to students by the Graduation Office once final grades have been verified after the graduation term.
For more information on how to apply for graduation, please visit the Graduation Office’s, please visit the Apply for Your Degree website of the Graduation Office.
Participation in Commencement is optional, not mandatory. Choosing not to participate does not affect a student’s eligibility to graduate from the University. Additionally, participating in Commencement does not automatically indicate that a student has graduated.
Commencement is a separate process from graduating. Eligible graduation candidates may register to participate in Commencement in mid-spring. When a student confirms participation, Cal State LA will reserve a seat for the student at the ceremony and provide a designated number of guest tickets.
The Commencement Office plans, coordinates, and manages all Commencement ceremonies and related activities, including registration, ticketing, and the distribution of honors cords.
On the Calendar
February 2, 2026
Summer 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Undergraduate Degrees
Eligible for Commencement 2026 participation
February 9, 2026
Registration to participate in the Cultural Grad Celebrations opens.
February 16, 2026
Summer 2026 Graduation Application Deadline for Graduate and Doctorate Degrees
Eligible for Commencement 2026 participation
March 25, 2026
Start of Commencement 2026 Registration and Ticketing @ 9 a.m.
March 26, 2026
Grad Fair '26
Regalia available at the University Bookstore
April 22, 2026
End of Commencement 2026 Registration and Ticketing @ 5 p.m.
Additional Resources
Graduation Office >>>
Apply for your Degree
The Graduation Office manages and coordinates the graduation process for students, staff, and faculty, ensuring a smooth and accurate transition toward degree completion. They provide services including academic record maintenance, graduation application forms, degree evaluation, baccalaureate honors designation, and diploma mailing, while also offering guidance, timelines, and support resources to help graduates navigate each required step with confidence.
Cross Cultural Centers >>>
Cultural Graduation Celebrations
The Cross Cultural Centers manage and coordinate the Cultural Graduation Celebrations. These celebrations are great opportunities for graduating students to acknowledge their academic achievements, honor their families, and to celebrate the cultural influences that have contributed to their academic success. Please visit the event website for additional information. Application deadline to participate in the Cultural Grad Celebrations is on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Alumni Association >>>
Stay Connected
The Alumni Association officially represents approximately 260,000 alumni in matters concerning the overall welfare of the University. Through participation in the Association, graduates stay connected with one another and support the institution through a wide network of diverse affiliate groups. These communities provide ongoing engagement, professional connections, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and resources that help alumni remain active members of the University long after graduation.
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All information, including dates and activities, are subject to change.
If you are attending Commencement, please read the audio and visual media release disclaimer.
Commencement website last updated: January 28, 2026