Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What is the difference between “Graduation” and “Commencement”?

Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the achievement of graduation. Graduation is fulfilling all the academic requirements for your bachelor’s degree and the formal process of awarding the official degree status.

Why do I have to apply for graduation?

The application notifies the graduation unit that it's time to review your academic records.

Why are there deadlines to apply for graduation?

Deadlines are vital to ensure that degree audits are reviewed on time so that students have sufficient time to identify any missing requirements. The graduation unit uses the Academic Requirements Report to evaluate your degree progress the semester before your graduation term.

How do I apply for graduation?

Follow the steps to apply for graduation:

  1. Log in to your MyCSUDH <LINK: my.csudh.edu CSUDH portal> Student Portal.
  2. Access your Student Center.
  3. Under “Academics,” select “Apply for Graduation” in the drop-down menu.
  4. Click on the “Academic Program” hyperlink.
  5. Select your “Expected Graduation Term” from the drop-down menu.
  6. Read the Graduation Instructions and click “Continue.”
When do I apply for graduation?

You can apply to graduate when you have earned at least 84 units AND have ten or fewer classes to complete. Sometimes a student exceeds 84 units but still needs to be ready to graduate because they have more than ten classes to complete. If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for graduation, meet with your major advisor for your department.

What happens after I apply for graduation?
  1. Students apply for graduation.
  2. Students receive confirmation emails that their graduation application was received.
  3. The Graduation Unit uses the Academic Requirements Report to evaluate each student’s degree progress.
  4. Students receive emails that they are on track (“Degree Program is in Review”) or missing requirements (“Graduation Pending”).
  5. When students see “Degree Program is in Review” in their Student Center, graduation is contingent upon completing coursework. When their Student Center says, “Graduation Pending,” students must meet with an advisor to determine the missing requirements.
What should I do if I realize I cannot complete the requirements even though I have already applied to graduate?

Students must have all graduation requirements met by the conferral date of that semester to qualify for graduation. If you realize you cannot meet the requirements for graduation within your expected graduation term, for example, if you know you will not pass one of your classes, you must extend or change your graduation term. Students must meet with their major advisor to determine their new graduation term.

Why was my degree denied, and what do I do in this case?

Students must have all graduation requirements met by the conferral date of that semester to qualify for graduation. If you have not satisfied the requirements for graduation within your expected graduation term, your graduation will be denied, and you must extend or change your graduation term.