Commencement

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Congratulations, You made it!

Getting ready

Undergraduate students...

In November, seniors (27+ earned credits) will receive an email from the Registrar's Office detailing how to sign up to determine if you are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
After you apply, please allow two weeks for your eligibility to be processed. You will receive en email with your status.
If you apply for Commencement and are eligible by March 1st, you will automatically be listed in the Commencement program and you will be eligible for departmental awards and Latin Honors based on your earned GPA as of March 1. If you are not eligible or do not apply for Commencement by March 1st, you will not be eligible for Latin honors or school and departmental awards.
Note: The Spring tuition bill will contain a one time $115.00 commencement fee. This fee covers your diploma, diploma cover, your cap and gown, academic hood, tassel and all the related Commencement Weekend activities.
Attend the Grad Fair for more information on the senior survey, caterers and vendors, and take your commencement portraits.
Clear all of your holds so you can pick up your cap & gown! You do not need to order your cap & gown, the Registrar's Office will order them and distribute them.

How can I get cleared for commencement? Make sure...

You attend your exit loan counseling
You clear any business office holds (including Library or Public Safety fines)
You take the First Destination Survey
- 1st STEP: Complete a Post-Graduation Plan
  If you are a School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) student, you will need to see Mary Beth Stadt, who is the Career Manager within SEBA. Contact information is mbs7@stmarys-ca.edu or 631-4118.
  
  If you are a School of Science (SOS) or School of Liberal Arts (SOLA) student, you will need to see a career strategist in Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS). Contact is 631-4600 or careers@stmarys-ca.edu.
- 2nd STEP: Complete the First Destination Survey

If you're cleared...PICK UP YOUR CAP & GOWN. They will be available at the Registrar's Office in May.

FAQ

Undergraduate FAQ

Graduate FAQ

Commencement Portraits

Undergraduate Commencement

The Undergraduate Commencement will be on Saturday, May 23rd at the Stadium:
9:00AM - Processional in the Turf Field
9:30AM - Ceremony in the Stadium

There are no tickets for the commencement ceremony, participants are encouraged to invite as many guests as desired.

The 2020 Undergraduate Commencement Speaker will be announced in April 2020.

Caps, Gowns & Hoods
All participants in the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony MUST wear a graduation cap with tassel, a black academic gown and the appropriate academic hood.
Caps and gowns will be available for pick up at the Registrar's Office in May.
All official graduation attire is yours to keep after the Commencement Ceremony.

Checklist & Timeline

2019 Grad Fair

Preparing for the Weekend

Financial Aid Exit Interview

Graduate & Professional Studies Commencement

The Graduate and Professional Studies Commencement will be on Sunday, May 24th at the Stadium:
9:00AM - Processional in the Turf Field
9:30AM - Ceremony in the Stadium

There are no tickets for the commencement ceremony, participants are encouraged to invite as many guests as desired.

The 2020 Graduate & Professional Studies Commencement Speaker will be announced in April 2020.

Please contact your deparment for information on how to become eligible for commencement.
Graduate Business: Catherine Barbagallo cab11@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8716
Graduate Kines: MAKin@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8834
MFA in Creative Writing: Sara Mumolo sm13@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8556
MFA in Dance: Roberta Chavez rmc5@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8183
LEAP: Stephanie Miller scb1@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-4538
KSOE: soereq@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-4700