Commencement backdrop for website

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT

Commencement at Cal State LA takes place annually at the end of the spring semester. For the academic year 2023-2024, students can graduate at the end of fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024, or summer 2024, but Commencement only takes place at the end of May. Additional information, including the schedule, will be posted at the beginning of the spring 2024 semester.

Graduation vs Commencement

Graduating from the University and participating in Commencement are two different things. Graduation is when the student has officially and successfully completed all their degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony that 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 a specific bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

The Graduation Office manages graduation. Their office evaluates graduation applications and other educational records, including graduating with honors, for the purpose of awarding degrees.

Diplomas are mailed to the students by the Graduation Office once their final grades have been verified after their graduation term.

For more information on how to apply to graduate, please visit the Apply for your Degree website of the Graduation Office.

Commencement at Cal State LA takes place annually at the end of the spring semester. For the academic year 2023-2024, students can graduate at the end of fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024, or summer 2024, but Commencement only takes place at the end of May. Additional information, including the schedule, will be posted at the beginning of the spring 2024 semester.

University Events and Protocol / Commencement Office manages Commencement. The office produces, facilitates, and coordinates the Commencement ceremonies.

Participating in Commencement is optional and not mandatory. If a student chooses to not participate, it does not affect their eligibility to graduate from the University. In addition, participation in Commencement does not automatically mean that the student has graduated. Commencement is a separate process from graduating. When a student confirms participation in Commencement, Cal State LA will reserve a seat for the student at the ceremony and provide a select number of guest tickets.

For more information, please visit the Details for Graduating Students section.

Important Dates

Important application and/or registration dates for graduation, Commencement, and Commencement related and/or affiliated activities.

PAST CEREMONIES

Commencement 2023

Commencement 2023

Thousands of Cal State LA graduates celebrated earning their degrees at Commencement 2023 on May 22-26, 2023, during the culmination of the University's 75th anniversary. View the livestream videos and photo galleries.

    Social Media


    Cal State LA Commencement
    All information, including dates and activities, are subject to change.

    This website is maintained by University Events and Protocol.
    Updated: September 8, 2023