
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 itself. There are two Commencement ceremonies, one in December for our Fall grads and the other in May for our Spring and Summer graduates. These celebrations are for students projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters respectively.
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.