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Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

• Information about GradFest
• Information for Guests
• Information for Graduates
• Ceremony Details

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GradFest

When is GradFest 2013?

GradFest is March 6 & 7, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Matador Bookstore Complex.

What is GradFest 2013?

GradFest is the one-stop shop opportunity for graduates to make all arrangements for participation in Commencement.

What will happen at GradFest 2013?

Students who have applied for graduation by March 1, 2013, are highly encouraged to attend GradFest at which time they will be able to confirm:

1. Name Verification
   
   

   Verify that their name appears on the official list of eligible participants as to be able to order graduation regalia.

2. Cap and Gown Rental
   
   

   Students are required to wear a cap and gown during their commencement ceremony. At GradFest, a student can verify that their name appears of the list of graduates, where they will then be given a pre-order slip for their cap and gown. The slip should be filled out and then brought to the general Matador Bookstore line where they can make payment on their pre-order.

   Those who are not on the official list of eligible participants will not be permitted to rent a cap and gown.

3. Other Commencement Ceremony & Graduation Needs
   
   

   Meet with vendors of items such as announcements, class ring, and photos. Representatives from the Alumni Association will be on hand with special membership offers and Honor Societies, and Cultural Graduation Organizations will also be present.

   GradImages® will be on site to offer cap and gown portraits. There will be no sitting fee or obligation to purchase your photos. We recommend that you come dressed professionally and photo ready if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity for photos. GradImages® will have regalia available on site for you to wear. A complimentary proof of each pose will be sent to you via email. While the photographer appreciates advance orders, (with a money back guarantee), advance orders are not required to receive your complimentary proofs. Should you wish to contact them their contact info is as follows: (800) 424-3686 or www.gradimages.com.

Do I have to attend GradFest 2013?

We strongly recommend that you attend GradFest 2013 so you can take advantage of all the vendors and services at one time!

What if I miss GradFest 2013?

Beginning Monday, March 11, 2013 the Matador Bookstore will be taking pre-orders online through March 29th. Please visit the Matador Bookstore website for further information and follow the prompts to pre-order your Commencement regalia (cap & gown), Announcements, Class rings, Alumni Memberships, and more.

The Matador Bookstore will not have cap and gown pre-orders available after the end of March; however, you can still rent your regalia at the Bookstore beginning May 7th (these will be on-hand rentals, and cannot guarantee all sizes of gown will be available). Some vendors will still be available at the Bookstore from time to time. Contact information related to Graduation and Commencement can be found by clicking here or visiting http://www.csun.edu/commencement/contacts/. Please contact them should you have any specific questions.

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Guests

What is the appropriate attire for the Commencement Ceremonies?

The weather in May is quite chilly and damp in the morning and quite warm to hot from mid-morning on. Protection from the elements is extremely limited on both Commencement sites. Because of these conditions, you are strongly urged to consider the health and comfort of your guests. Infants, the elderly and others who may be adversely affected by extreme temperatures may find attending the Commencement Exercises to be stressful. Your guests are urged to wear sunscreen or brimmed hats.

Do I have to purchase tickets to the Main Ceremony?

The University plans allow for each graduate to have three to five guests in attendance. Tickets will not be required and seating for guests is not guaranteed. We ask that you please remind your guests that saving of seats is not permitted. Seating is available on a first come first serve basis.

What time should we arrive for Commencement Ceremony?

There will be many students participating at this year's Commencement Ceremonies, and likely that their families will join them at this fantastic occasion. It is suggested that both students and families arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the ceremony starting to ensure parking and comfortable seating.

How much is parking and where should we park?

Parking for Commencement and Honors Convocation will be free of charge from Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23, 2013. Please plan to arrive early as traffic and parking tend to be heavy.

Please utilize the recommendations and directions provided when arriving for the 2013 Commencement Ceremonies at CSUN. These are found below and at: www.csun.edu/commencement/directions. Please note that other routes onto the CSUN campus may be closed due to the volume of traffic expected.

For Oviatt Library Lawn Ceremonies the most convenient parking is on the west side of the campus (Lots B1, B2, and the B3 Parking Structure). Please have your guests enter the campus at Nordhoff and Darby (1 block east of Reseda Blvd.) and follow the signs to the closest available parking.

For Manzanita Hall Lawn Ceremonies the most convenient parking is on the west side of the campus (Lots B1 and B2). Please have your guests enter the campus at Nordhoff and Darby (1 block east of Reseda Blvd.) and follow the signs to the closest available parking.

Note: Graduates and Guests may be directed to overflow parking in the B5 Parking Structure in the event of an exceptionally large turnout. Additional parking for all ceremonies will be available in Lot G3.

How will I be able to see the ceremony?

The ceremony will take place outside and in full view of participants who find appropriate seating (in Chairs, Grandstand Seating) at the both locations. Guests will be seated in chairs separated from the graduates. No guests will be permitted in the graduate seating area at any time.

Alternative viewing locations are available for the Oviatt Lawn Ceremonies only, and will be located inside various buildings adjacent to the ceremony taking place. These include:

• Planetarium - Citrus Hall
• Nobbs Auditorium - Sequoia Hall

These rooms can be viewed on the Commencement Ceremony Map, and will provide guests with a live feed from the ceremony taking place, should they wish to get a better view, or get out of the sun.

What is available to help guests with Disabilities?

Guests with disabilities should be aware that the processional routes and Commencement sites are accessible. Special seating for guests with disabilities will be available. Because of limited seating capacity, the guest with a disability may be accompanied by two party members. Every effort will be made to seat other party members in the closest adjacent seating area possible. Please keep in mind that 10 minutes prior to the ceremony this area will open to the general public. Also, there will be live telecast rooms with live captioning in the following locations:

• Planetarium - Citrus Hall
• Nobbs Auditorium - Sequoia Hall

What is available for guests that are Deaf and Hard of Hearing?

Interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing guests will be available in a reserved area at each site. Look for the designated area marked, "Deaf and Hard of Hearing". If you have special needs, please notify the National Center on Deafness at (818) 677-2614 (V/TTY).

How will I be able to meet up with my graduate after the ceremony?

After the Ceremony has concluded, students will be asked to remain seated until those on the stage have been able to leave. Upon the exit of the platform participants, students are then free to receive congratulations from their families and guests.

Is there any restricted items and/or security requirements?

To be considerate to other guests and graduates, we ask that you do not bring noise makers, utilize umbrellas, or stand in the aisles during the commencement ceremony. Due to the danger of errant balloons hitting power lines, Mylar balloons will not be allowed.

How long is the ceremony?

All ceremonies will traditionally last no longer than 2 hours.

Where is the reception and how long will it be?

Pending on when the ceremony takes place, receptions either occur before or after the actual commencement. Receptions are planned by individual Colleges. Please contact your College if you have any questions regarding Commencement Receptions. 2013 locations will be available closer to Commencement dates.

Will there be a photographer?

For your convenience, the University has arranged for GradImages®, to shoot three different poses of each graduating student. Should you wish to contact them their contact info is as follows: (800) 424-3686 or www.gradimages.com.

The student will be asked to follow their instructions that will be given at the Commencement site to insure an agreeable pose. A complimentary proof of each pose will be emailed to you within 24 - 48 hours of their ceremony. While the photographer appreciates advance orders, (with a money back guarantee), advance orders are not required to receive your complimentary proofs. A letter from the photographer will be sent to the student in advance of Commencement with all pertinent information regarding this service.

What if I want to take pictures or film the ceremony?

For safety and security reasons, guests will not be permitted access to the stage area or graduate seating areas during the ceremony to photograph or video record the event. Please advise your guests to remain seated during the Commencement ceremony. The rules set forth by the Fire Marshal, who monitors our Commencement, do not allow for anyone to stand or block the aisles. Any person doing so will be removed. A special photo section is available adjacent to each side of the stage. See ushers on the day of the ceremony for more information.

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Graduates

How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

Please inquire with the Office of Admissions and Records to see if you are eligible to graduate. Upon eligibility, a student must fill out his or her appropriate forms and submit them with payment to Cash Services in Bayramian Hall. Forms for Graduate Students and Undergrads are different, as different offices hold records for each constituency. Please make sure that you visit the main page of this website and click on the appropriate degree earned button to download your application for graduation.

Only students with an established graduation date of Fall 2012, Spring 2013, or Summer 2013 are eligible to participate in the 2013 Commencement ceremonies.

Students who expect to complete their course work during the 2013-2014 academic year are not permitted to participate in the 2013 Commencement.

Eligible students who complete their degree application by March 1, 2013, will be automatically placed on the list of students who will receive information about the 2013 Commencement ceremonies including information about GradFest 2013, and other Commencement related activities.

Failure to apply by the appropriate deadline may result in graduates name not being placed in the Commencement printed program.

When is the deadline for graduation and how do I apply?

The deadline to apply for graduation AND to be considered eligible to attend the Commencement Ceremonies for 2013 is March 1st, 2013.

Where can I get graduation announcements?

Graduation Announcements will be provided by Herff Jones through the Matador Bookstore. Herff Jones representatives will be plentiful at GradFest March 6-7, 2013. You may also order online at herffjones.com/college/csun or by calling 310-641-5535 M-F from 9am to 6pm PST. Discounts will be offered at GradFest on Grad Packs which include announcements, so you may consider postponing your announcement order until GradFest.

How do I know what college I am part of?

How do I obtain information about my diploma status?

Diplomas are not issued at the Commencement Exercises. Graduates will receive their diplomas approximately three to six weeks following Commencement from Admissions and Records. A diploma cover will be given to each graduate on the day of the ceremony.

What color tassel will I be wearing?

What side does the tassel hang on?

In academic tradition, the student who has not yet earned a degree wears the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard. After President Harrison has conferred the baccalaureate degrees, graduates will be directed to move the tassel to the left.

Master's candidates wear their tassel on the left to begin with and, therefore, do not move it during the ceremony.

Where can I rent my cap and gown?

Graduating students can rent their cap and gown from the Matador Bookstore during GradFest. The Matador Bookstore will require the student to verify that their name appears on the list of students cleared to graduate. Upon verification, you will be allowed to rent your cap and gown. If a student is not cleared to graduate by GradFest, once cleared, they may come to the Matador Bookstore to rent regalia on-hand between May 7-10, 2013.

Matador Bookstore hours of operation are:

What is the cost to rent my cap and gown?

Bachelor's Regalia Gown, Cap, and Tassel: Call for pricing.

Master's Regalia Gown, Cap, Hood, and Tassel: Call for pricing.

Note: Special offers are given on the days of GradFest that may differ from the prices stated above.

When and where do I return my graduation regalia?

All rented regalia should be returned at the conclusion of your College's Commencement ceremony either to drop-off points at each Commencement site or at the Matador Bookstore. The cap and tassel are yours to keep.

A late fee will be assessed for rentals not returned by deadline. Please bring late returns to the Matador Bookstore.

What is Honors Convocation?

The Honors Convocation is not a formal graduation ceremony but a celebration and honoring of those who have satisfied a variety of academic or personal achievements. This event is by invitation only and should you feel that you ought to be invited to Honors Convocation, please make sure that you satisfy all of the requirements indicated on the Honors section of this website.

Invitations will be sent to recipients around the end of April. If you do not receive an invitation to Honors Convocation, but satisfy all of the requirements, first ensure that you have registered for Graduation and verify your correct address with the Student Portal. Please call the Office of Student Development should you have verified all of the above mentioned, and we can research the matter further.

At the Honors Convocation, students will receive both a ceremony program, as well as a commemorative medallion to be worn during their Commencement Ceremony.

Is there a difference between graduating with Honors from the University and receiving honors recognition at the Honors Convocation?

Yes, please visit the Honors section of this website.

Can I attend the Honors Convocation and the Commencement Ceremony?

Yes. The Honors Convocation is a separate ceremony that is not considered an official Commencement Ceremony.

Do I have to attend the Honors Convocation?

Should a student receive an invitation to Honors Convocation, but cannot attend, then they can make arrangements to pick up their medallion and program from the Office of Student Development the week following the Commencement Ceremonies. Due to staffing concerns we are unable to give out medallions during the week of Commencement.

Do I have to wear my cap and gown to the Honors Convocation?

No. Please dress appropriately to this event; however do not wear formal regalia.

What is available to help graduates with Disabilities?

Graduates with disabilities should be aware that the processional routes and Commencement sites are accessible. Special seating for graduates with disabilities will be available. Because of limited seating capacity, the graduate with a disability may be accompanied by two party members. Every effort will be made to seat other party members in the closest adjacent seating area possible. Please keep in mind that 10 minutes prior to the ceremony this area will open to the general public. Also, there will be live telecast rooms with live captioning at the:

• Planetarium - Citrus Hall
• Nobbs Auditorium - Sequoia Hall

For graduates with disabilities electing to march and be seated with their Colleges, ushers will be made available to assist them during the processional and recessional.

Graduating students with special needs during the graduation ceremony should contact the Commencement Coordinator at the Office of Student Development and for additional information please call the Disability Resources and Education Services Office at (818) 677-2684.

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Ceremony Details

What is the arrival time for graduates?

Graduates should arrive robed and ready to line-up for the processional no later than 60 minutes before the ceremony is to begin in order to check-in.

Where is the assembly area for graduates?

The assembly area for the Oviatt Library Lawn ceremonies will be at the south end of the Sierra Quad. Look for the directional signs to the graduate check-in. Faculty and staff from your College will be supervising the line-up procedure for the processional. Please follow their instructions.

The assembly area for the Manzanita Hall Lawn ceremonies will be on the lawn bordering W. University Drive/Etiwanda and Manzanita Hall. Look for the directional signs to the graduate check-in. Faculty and staff from your College will be supervising the line-up procedure for the processional. Please follow their instructions.

What is appropriate behavior of graduates?

Commencement is a dignified occasion. Participants are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. The behavior of each graduate helps to set the tone for this important event. Graduates and families look forward to this milestone with excitement and anticipation. For many guests, Commencement is their first visit to our campus. The ceremony and appropriate behavior by the graduates will create positive memories for all who attend. Students & guests are expected to remain seated until the ceremony has concluded.

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Any alcoholic beverages discovered on the premises will be confiscated. Any graduate or guest obviously intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance will be removed from the Commencement site and subject to arrest.

What should I bring with me?

Graduates should arrive robed and ready to line-up for the processional no later than 60 minutes before the ceremony is to begin in order to check-in. At the Commencement ceremony, students possessing an official name card will be directed to the line-up area.

Where do I receive an Official Name Card?

Official name cards will be given upon cap & gown rental pick-up and must be retained until collected by the name reader during the ceremony. Students not renting a cap & gown at the bookstore must go to the graduate check-in location 60 minutes before the ceremony to obtain their official name card. Grad check-in will vary depending on the ceremony location. Students must retain the official name card until collected by the name reader during the ceremony.

Will there be Printed Programs at the Commencement Ceremony?

Commencement programs will be distributed individually to all graduates at the Commencement Ceremony. Programs will be distributed to guests as they are seated prior to the beginning of each ceremony. Due to the limited supply, a single program will be given to each family. Those graduates who do not attend Commencement may visit the Office of Student Development during the week of June 3, 2013 to receive a printed program. Mail requests for programs cannot be honored.

Baccalaureate and Master's candidate names are listed by College. Honors candidates will also be listed in a special section of the printed program. Note: Due to press deadlines, the printed program is not a definitive list of graduates. Further, some students have requested that their names not be published and, therefore, will not appear in the Commencement printed program.

Will there be vendors present at the Commencement?

As a convenience and service to our Commencement visitors, the University has contracts with a few select vendors to provide flower bouquets, cold drinks, snack items, and other sundries.

What if I have a Double Major?

Students graduating with a Double Major will be allowed to attend both ceremonies should each major fall into a different college. For example if you double majored in Sociology and English, you can attend both the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and College of Humanities' ceremonies. If you plan to attend two ceremonies, you will only receive one official name card upon picking up your regalia at the Matador Bookstore. To be able to attend the second ceremony, you will need to come to the Commencement Check-in area at your second ceremony, and explain your situation to a commencement staff employee or college ceremony representative, in order to receive a second official name card.

What if I have a Special Major?

Students graduating with a Special Major or interdisciplinary study are to attend the ceremony of your advisor's college, or whichever college you have taken most courses from.

Is there a Lost and Found?

The Department of Police Services maintains a centralized lost and found service for the Cal State Northridge community. In the event you lose an item during Commencement, a University police officer or community service assistant can direct you to Police Services Headquarters to file a lost report or check on lost property turned in to the Department of Police Services.

What happens in the case of Emergencies?

Police officers from the Department of Police Services and medical staff from the Student Health Center will be on duty during the Commencement exercises to provide first aid assistance in the event of any medical emergencies or illnesses. Police officers will provide the normal array of public safety services and both police officers and student Community Service Assistants in red and black uniforms are available to assist guests with lost members, directions and many other services. Note: that it will not be possible for any guest to be paged.

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