In order to participate in commencement exercises, students must apply for graduation with their academic advisor by the designated deadline. A graduation fee must be paid. A back-up site has been designated in case of inclement weather. A student commencement speaker competition is held each year for the spring ceremony.
Information is included in mailings sent to students eligible for graduation.
The ceremonies are followed by the President's Reception to which all graduates, guests, faculty, administrators, and ceremony participants are invited. All students eligible to graduate will receive a mailing from the Registrar's Office informing them of the application deadline, graduation fees, and other important dates that affect graduation. Second and third mailings are sent which provides information on the logistics concerning the ceremony, photographer and florist services, guest accommodations in San Diego, career services, and alumni information. Important dates for the San Diego ceremony are listed below. They are also included in the Academic Calendar and in course schedules.