Commencement Checklist
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. The Class of 2026 includes the graduating candidates for fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026, and summer 2026.
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.
Please read all the information below regarding eligibility to participate in Commencement.
Eligible Graduation Terms
- Fall 2025 Semester
Undergraduate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding March 1, 2025
Graduate and Doctorate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding June 15, 2025
- Winter 2026 Intersession
Undergraduate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding September 2, 2025
Graduate and Doctorate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding September 15, 2025
- Spring 2026 Semester
Undergraduate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding October 15, 2025
Graduate and Doctorate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding November 17, 2025
- Summer 2026 Session
Undergraduate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding February 2, 2026
Graduate and Doctorate Degrees Application Deadline: Preceding February 16, 2026
Participation
To participate in Commencement 2026, students must:
- FILE FOR GRADUATION
A graduation application must be submitted for the graduation terms of fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026, or summer 2026.
The graduation application is used by the student to notify the University that they are ready to complete their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program. All coursework for the degree program must be completed prior to the award date (end of the graduation term they applied for). Students will not be able to register beyond their expected declared graduation term, so it is critical that the graduation application be accurate at the time of filing.
If you have questions about the graduation application process, please contact the Graduation Office.
REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE AT COMMENCEMENT
Registering to participate in Commencement is separate from the graduation application process. All eligible graduating students who wish to participate in the in-person Commencement 2026 ceremonies must register in advance. Registration will start on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT through Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT. The registration link will be emailed directly to graduating student's @calstatela.edu address and posted on this website before the registration period begins. It is the student's responsibility to submit all necessary forms by the posted deadline dates for Commencement 2026.Please note that students who re-apply to graduate during the 2025–2026 academic year but have already participated in Commencement 2025 for the same degree are not eligible to participate again.
Late Applicants
During and after the registration period of March 25, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT through April 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT., if you just submitted your graduation application, please note that it does not automatically grant you access to Tassel, the Commencement registration and guest ticketing platform.
The Graduation Office sends a list of late applicants and other updates, such as name and term changes, to the Commencement Office every Monday and Thursday morning for inclusion in the Commencement ceremonies.
Upon receiving the updated list, the Commencement team will input the information into Tassel and inform students of the next steps by the end of the next business day. Please keep this timeline in mind, as it impacts Commencement registration and guest ticketing deadlines.
AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
After Commencement registration ends on April 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT, late applicants can still participate in the ceremonies but please note the following:
Guest tickets are no longer guaranteed.
The Stage Pass can no longer be issued, and students will be given a manual name card at Commencement.
Names can no longer be displayed during Commencement and the live stream.
Name announcements will not be included in the college virtual program.
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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 26, 2026