Will there be an in-person Commencement?
Yes, we are planning two in-person Commencement ceremonies at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday, May 29, that will include the Class of 2021 and 2020. We are still working on the details and will share them as soon as they are available.
Will there still be a virtual celebration for the Class of 2021?
Yes, we are creating a virtual celebration to spotlight each graduate of the Class of 2021. Soon the current graduating class will receive the instructions to upload their details for a personalized slide which will include their photo and pre-recorded name. Once it is launched, this virtual celebration can be shared, posted to social media, and viewed by family and friends.
Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies?
The Class of 2021 (which includes the graduates of fall 2020 and winter 2021, and the projected graduates of spring 2021 and summer 2021) and the Class of 2020 (which includes the graduates of fall 2019, winter 2020, spring 2020, and summer 2020) are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies on May 29. Information regarding registration will be available soon.
How will diplomas be distributed?
Diplomas will still be sent by mail after official certification that the graduate have successfully completed all degree requirements. It will take up to four weeks for the Graduation Office to review all applicants individually.
After the degree is awarded, the graduate can track the progress of their diploma online.
Will undergraduate students still receive their honor cords?
Honor cord distribution will be determined as we finalize our Commencement plans. As posted on the Graduation Office website regarding eligibility for honors, an undergraduate student must have completed a minimum of 45 units in residence at Cal State LA and have attained the appropriate standing (in terms of cumulative grade point average earned at Cal State LA) as described below:
Summa Cum Laude: GPA equal to or greater than 3.9
Magna Cum Laude: GPA equal to or greater than 3.75 but less than 3.9
Cum Laude: GPA equal to or greater than 3.5 but less than 3.75
All students attaining these minimum grade point averages will be awarded the corresponding honors upon conferral of degree. Please note that Commencement honor status will be based on information provided as of April 26, 2021. All final honor designations will be listed on the graduate's transcript and will be based on final grades and verification by the Graduation Office.
Will undergraduate and graduate students still receive their diploma covers?
Diploma cover distribution will be determined as we finalize our Commencement plans.
Will undergraduate and graduate students still be able to purchase their regalia and Commencement-related merchandise?
Caps and gowns can be ordered through the University Bookstore’s regalia vendor, Oak Hall. For master’s and doctoral candidates, please refer to the degree hood color chart.
Sashes and other Commencement-related merchandise are available to order at the University Bookstore’s website.
