Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation

The term in which you have officially and successfully completed all of your graduation requirements. You must apply for the term (fall, spring, or summer) in which you plan to graduate through your Student Center in MyCSUSM.  Once final grades are posted, your record will be evaluated and your diploma will be sent to you via mail to your address on file.

Commencement

Often referred to as “Graduation”, Commencement is the ceremony.  It is an end-of-spring semester celebration for students projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of that Spring or Summer semester.

Commencement is coordinated by the Commencement Office.  There is only one Commencement ceremony that takes place at the end of the Spring semester each year to celebrate graduation from the previous Fall, Spring or upcoming Summer terms.

You will not receive a diploma at the commencement ceremony. Confirmation of degree completion will not take place until official grades are posted.  For more information on Commencement, visit the Commencement website.