51ÂÜÀò’s leadership, after much discussion and in consultation with the Council of Academic Deans, Student Senate and service providers across campus, has decided to move all Commencement ceremonies to once per year in May effective the 2023-24 academic year. The last Fall Commencement ceremony will be held December 16, 2022.

This change was made in order to preserve the quality of the commencement celebration experience while keeping rising costs down. Additionally, we have found that many families found it challenging to attend Fall Commencement so close to Christmas. We hope this change also enables more families to join the spring celebration for their graduating students.

This change will directly affect students planning to graduate Fall 2023. It will not affect those students planning to graduate Fall 2022.

  • The last Fall Commencement ceremony will be held December 16, 2022, for those students who are approved to graduate at the end of the fall semester. Students who are approved to graduate in Fall 2022 will not experience any changes to Commencement.

  • Students who are approved or planning to graduate in Fall 2023 will have their degree conferred in December 2023 and have the opportunity to celebrate their achievement at the May 2024 Commencement ceremony.

The cancellation of 51ÂÜÀò’s Fall Commencement ceremonies starting Fall 2023 will in no way delay the earning of your degree. Students completing all of their degree requirements by the end of the fall term will still have their respective degree conferred at that time. They will receive their diplomas in the mail six to eight weeks after their last semester. All students will continue to have the opportunity to graduate and have their degrees conferred at the end of fall, spring and summer sessions, but 51ÂÜÀò will only host commencement ceremonies each May for all students who graduate any semester of that academic year.

If you have yet to apply to participate in the Fall 2022 ceremony, please be sure to complete your graduation application before the end of the current (Spring 2022) term.

We aim to create the best experience for our graduates and their families during our Commencement ceremonies every year with the momentous event serving as the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. We assure you that this change will not compromise the quality of 51ÂÜÀò’s celebration for our students. It is an opportunity for the departments and schools across the university to focus their time and effort on making the best possible commencement experience once a year.

If you have any questions, please contact 562-903-6000.