Grad Fair and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to come to the Grad Fair? Commencement representatives will be setup inside the bookstore for you to gather graduation related information about ceremonies, parking, etc. It is a one stop Commencement experience with plenty of excitement and discounts. Order Class Rings, Graduation Announcements, Cap & Gown Rentals and all types of Graduation
Accessories, including Custom Sashes, Diploma Frames and Medallions. Some of these custom items are only available at the Grad Fair.
Is the Grad Fair the only day to order cap and gowns? You may rent your Cap & Gown online at the Grad Fair and through April 24, 2016 at http://www.fortyninershops.net/site_grad.asp?. Starting May 6th through Commencement, you can rent them at the Graduation Center Registers, in the University Bookstore.
Since it isn't the only day, why should I order my cap and gown at the Grad Fair? Some discounts are only available at the Grad Fair. Pre-order Cap and Gowns are distributed first, so sizing can become an issue if waiting too long.
What is a grad pack? Grad Packs are Cap & Gown and Announcement packages that are sold at a discounted price. Packages 1- 3 include a frame with purchase. Package 4 includes a smaller graduation keepsake. Grad Pack #5 includes a sash with the cap & gown rental and is only available at the Grad Fair. Visit our website at http://colleges.herffjones.com/college/csulb/ to learn more.
Can I substitute Grad Pack Items? Grad packs are sold at a discounted price and items cannot be substituted. All graduation merchandise can be purchased individually.
How do I know if my grad pack order was received if I ordered online? You will receive a confirmation email from Herff Jones.
What are announcements? Announcements are a formal notification to your family and friends that you are graduating. They are custom printed with your name and degree. They also include the date, time and place of your graduation ceremony.
How soon do I need to order announcements? Announcements take about three weeks to process, the sooner you place your order the quicker you will receive them. Keep in mind that you will want to allow enough time to mail them out before graduation, to give your family and friends time to respond.
How do I get my picture taken with cap and gown? Representatives from the photo studios will be at the grad fair offering professional portraits. We will have a small studio setup at the Grad Fair for your convenience. No appointment is necessary and there is no sitting fee. Please come prepared to take business professional photos, in your regalia.
When and where do I pick up my cap and gown? The Distribution Event for customers that pre-ordered, runs from May 2, 2016 through May 5, 2016, from 10:00am until 7:00pm, in the Bookstore Graduation Center. Rentals begin for everyone else starting May 6, 2016, in the Graduation Center. Please, bring your University ID card and a printed copy of your receipt when picking up your Cap and Gown.
Can someone else rent my gown for me? Yes, as long as they have all of your information: name, address, phone number, student ID, height and degree.
Do I get to keep my cap and tassel? Yes, the only items that need to be returned are the rental items. Bachelor’s graduates return the gown and Doctoral and Master’s graduates return the gown and hood.
Where and when do I return my gown? There will be a collection station in front of the bookstore after each ceremony. This is the preferred return time. The last day to return will be the following Wednesday after Commencement. There will be a gown drop off in the Bookstore at the Book Information Counter at the rear of the store. Gowns returned later than this will be subject to a $15.00 late fee.
What do I do if I lose my gown? If a rental item is lost the renter will be expected to pay the full amount of the item in question. The Doctoral Gown is $388.00 and the Doctoral Hood is $157.00. Master’s gown is $209.95, Master’s hood is $129.95 and Bachelor’s gown is $179.95. Doctoral Gowns
Can I purchase my rental cap and gown? Yes, the rental fee will be subtracted from the list price.
Grad Fair and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate? You must file a Request to Graduate form with the Office of Enrollment Services. If you have filed to graduate for December 2015, January 2016, May 2016, or August 2016, (before the published deadlines), you will be invited to the May 2016 ceremonies and your name will be listed in the program.
Do I need to sign up ahead of time to attend the ceremony? YES! The registration form will be available on this website from January 4, 2016 until May 13, 2016.
How do I check if I've registered correctly? If you try to submit the form again on the same computer, it will alert you that you have done so already. Please DO NOT call the University asking that your name be checked on the registration list. The data will not be available until the day of your ceremony.
What ceremony do I go to if I’m graduating in December?
If you are a December 2015 candidate, you are part of the 2015-2016 academic class and you will be invited to the 2016 ceremony and your name will be listed in the 2016 program.
If you are a December 2016 candidate, you are part of the 2016-2017 academic class and you will be invited to the 2017 ceremony and your name will be listed in the 2017 program. You may attend the 2016 ceremony, but your name will not be listed in the program.
How do I get my name in the program? If you have filed a Request to Graduate form with the Office of Enrollment Services for the terms of December 2015, January 2016, May 2016, or August 2016 before the published deadlines, your name will be listed in the program.
Will my name be announced during the ceremony? Yes, every graduate will have their name read as they cross the stage, regardless of whether it is listed in the program.
How many tickets do I get and how do I pick them up?
Graduates from HHS, LA, Arts, and Business, will receive 8 tickets so that all attendees have a pleasant experience. Commencement tickets are complimentary and will be first distributed at Cap and Gown Distribution at the Bookstore. The Distribution Event for Pre-ordered gowns and tickets will be Monday, May 2nd through Thursday, May 5th, from 10:00am until 7:00pm. All walk up orders for gowns and tickets will start Friday, May 6th and go through Commencement, during regular bookstore hours. Even if you are not picking up a cap and gown for your ceremony, you can receive your guest tickets from the Bookstore. You must present either your CSULB ID card or picture ID, along with your student ID number, to obtain tickets. A friend or family member may pick up your tickets if he/she shows your identification card, if you are unable to come during Bookstore hours.
If you do not pick up your tickets by the times mentioned above, we cannot guarantee you will receive your full number of commencement tickets.
No additional tickets will be provided and it is recommended that you ask classmates if you can have their unused tickets. No tickets will be required for the live streaming rooms on campus and extra guests are encouraged to sit in these lecture halls. Every person attending the ceremony will need a ticket: including children. If you plan on bringing small children it is recommended that you view the ceremony in the live-streaming room which will not require tickets. Please note, CSULB does not authorize the sale of complimentary tickets.
For ceremonies on Tuesday, May 17, we ask that each student limit the number of guests to 8 or under so that all attendees have a pleasant experience. No tickets will be required for Engineering, Natural Science & Mathematics, and Education ceremonies.
First-come, first-served seating is available for your guests in folding chairs and grandstands.
GUESTS: TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY AND REENTRY TO THE VENUE. PLEASE SEE AN USHER BEFORE EXITING.
Grad Fair and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am graduating with honors? GPA honors are not recognized at the ceremony. (GPAs are not calculated until your degree has been granted, several weeks after the end of the semester.)
To inquire about honors in the major, go to the major department office.
Where are the ceremonies held? On upper campus in the Central Quad. Folding chairs and grandstand seating will be available for the graduates and guests.
What time should I get there and where do I go? Graduates should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. The sign-in and line-up area is at the south end of the Quad near the Macintosh Building.
At least one hour prior to the ceremony is recommended for guests as well. Guests attending the prior ceremony will be exiting campus as others are arriving. Large crowds are expected, please allow at least one hour to park and walk to the ceremony site.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Approx. 12,000 guests will be in attendance for the large Colleges. All ceremonies are held outdoors. Folding chairs on grass and grandstand seating will be available; shade is limited.
Where do I park? All parking structures and student parking lots on lower campus, off of Atherton, will be open to the public for free parking during the ceremony. The lots on upper campus designated for faculty and staff will remain gated.
Parking information: 562 985-4146
Do I need to sign in when I get there? Yes, you should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. The sign-in and line-up area is at the south end of the Quad, near the Macintosh Building.
Are there special arrangements for the disabled?
Please contact the Office of Parking and Transportation for assistance and directions to special parking lots and drop off locations: 562 985-4146. Shuttles from the outlying lots to the ceremony site will be available. The university does not provide wheelchairs and it does not reserve seating for any guests. Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area. For elderly guests and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live indoors, adjacent to the ceremony site. Some rooms will include LH 150 and 151, and PH1 140 and 141. Banners will display designated locations the day of the ceremony. These rooms are open to everyone and are on a first come first serve basis: no ticket will be required to watch the ceremony from a live streaming room. Please contact Disabled Student Services at 562 985-5401 if you would like more information on the amenities for senior or disabled guests.
What kind of seating is available?
Folding chairs on grass, surrounded by grandstands. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Shade is limited. Most guests will be sitting in the sun. For elderly guests and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live indoors, adjacent to the ceremony site. The university does not provide wheelchairs and it does not reserve seating for any guests. Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area.
GUESTS: TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR REENTRY TO THE VENUE. PLEASE SEE AN USHER BEFORE EXITING.
Grad Fair and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get pictures? Professional photographers will be stationed on and around the stage. Proofs of the photos will be emailed to you within three days. Guests will not be allowed to stand in the aisles or to approach the stage to take pictures. Tripods and large video equipment are not allowed.
What will the weather be like? Typically, it is damp and foggy in the mornings, warm or hot in the afternoons, and breezy and cool in the evenings after 5:00. Rain is uncommon. Light layers are recommended. Most guests will be sitting in the sun. Sun shades and umbrellas will not be allowed to block the view of others.
How long is the ceremony? Approximately two hours.
Is there a list of local Long Beach Hotels? Please visit http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/students/housing/hotels.htm
What happens after the ceremony? Graduates and their guests are invited to attend an hour-long reception nearby immediately following the ceremony. Refreshments and live music will be provided.
Where do I return my cap and gown? Gowns and hoods, if applicable, are to be returned to the bookstore. Graduates can keep caps and tassels.
How do I get my diploma? Diplomas are not distributed at Commencement. The diplomas themselves are issued by the University after verification has been made that all degree requirements have been completed and after the diploma document is specially inscribed for the graduate. Degree clearing takes place in the Office of Enrollment Services during a four to eight week period following the end of your last semester. You will be notified by email when your degree has been granted, and you’ll be given diploma information at that time. Your diploma will not automatically be mailed to you. The Office of Enrollment Services (562/985-5471) will send an e-mail when your diploma is available (approximately 4-8 weeks after your degree has been granted).
Questions about Ceremony details? Each college is responsible for the logistical coordination of its own ceremony. For information regarding your college's ceremony, please contact the appropriate individual listed below:
College Contacts for Ceremony details
College Coordinator Phone (562)
Arts Bethany Price 985-4364
Business Administration Margaret Williams 985-5307
Education and Liberal Studies Kristina Hancock 985- 2330
Engineering Kim Truesdelle 985-8032
Health and Human Services Sharon Cruz 985-4691
Liberal Arts Valerie Christian 985-5384
Natural Sciences & Mathematics Lane Olsen-Cooper 985-1521