Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find frequently asked questions. Some questions are related to all graduating students and some questions are specific to your degree type. So, be sure to scroll down and read all questions pertaining to your status.

All Candidates

• Is there a difference between the Hooding ceremony and the Commencement ceremony?

  The Hooding ceremony is a smaller ceremony that only includes your school or college. It is planned through your school or college and you can contact them for assistance HERE. 

  The Commencement ceremony is planned through University Commencements (no charge to the graduate), and can include 1-5 colleges/schools in one ceremony. All Commencement information can be found on this website.

• I have questions regarding my graduation application or status, diploma, GPA, or degree posting. Who do I contact?
  Please contact your Success Coach or Student Advisor (advising@calbaptist.edu) for assistance with any of this information.
• If I'm a Graduate, what do I do the day of Commencement?
  Arrive at the Recreation Center for Grad Check-In, wearing your cap, gown and other approved regalia. Make sure your cap is pinned and hair is sprayed (if needed). You must check in before your ceremony is scheduled to begin. Your check in time is one hour prior to your Commencement ceremony. Staff will direct Graduates to the correct area for line up, and will be available to answer questions, give instructions, and direct Graduates for the processional. 
• When do I receive my actual diploma and what size is it?

  Graduates will receive a gold tube at Commencement to signify earning their degree. The actual printed diploma will not be inside of the tube. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks after your posting date for the actual diploma to be shipped.

  All diplomas are 14 x 11 in size.

  Graduates who meet the following qualifications will receive their diploma at the address they provided on the graduation application:

  • The student has applied for and has been approved for their requested posting date.
  • The student has all outstanding degree requirements met. (All coursework has been completed and all outstanding grades and official transcripts have been received.)
  • The student has been cleared to receive their diploma by both the Financial Aid and Student Accounts Offices.

  For more information on posting dates, contact the Registrar's Office.

• What time do I need to arrive for the Commencement ceremony?
  All Graduates will need to arrive at the CBU Recreation Center and check in one hour prior to their scheduled ceremony. Please arrive early to allow ample time for parking in Parking Structure off of Adams St. and Lancer Lane. Guests will be allowed to enter the Events Center one hour prior to the ceremony.
• How long is the Commencement ceremony?
  The Commencement ceremony is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
• Is there a rehearsal?
  There is not a rehearsal, however; Graduates will receive their walking cards and all instructions at Grad Check-In, one hour prior to the ceremony. 
• How many guests may I invite?
  Each Graduate will receive up to 8 tickets. Click here for more information regarding guest tickets.
• Do I need to return my cap and gown?
  There is no charge for your cap and gown and does not need to be returned. They are yours to keep. Click here for more information about regalia. 
• What if I (the Graduate) need special accommodations?
  If you (the Graduate) need special accommodations, please fill out the Graduate Only - ADA Accommodations Requests form , so that we may better assist you at your Commencement.
• Is there special seating for guests who need accommodations?
  To obtain ADA accommodations or limited mobility seating for guests, please fill out the Attending Guests Only - ADA Accommodations Requests form. DO NOT CLAIM YOUR GUEST TICKETS WITH YOUR PROMO CODE SENT TO YOUR LANCER MAIL AT THE END OF JULY.
• I have a guest who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Is there an accommodation for this?

  For the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Closed Captioning will be available by QR Code at the Commencement ceremony. Sign Language Interpreting (ASL) is ONLY AVAILABLE BY REQUEST on the Attending Guests Only - ADA Accommodations Requests form by JULY 12.

• How do I order announcements and class rings?
  To order announcements and class rings go to Jostens.com
• Are confetti, noisemakers, or balloons permitted?
  NO CONFETTI of any kind is allowed on campus, for pictures or in the Events Center. Noisemakers and Balloons are NOT permitted in the Events Center.

 

Bachelor Degree Candidates

• When will I get my honor cords?
  Honor cords will be given when you pick up your regalia or at Grad Check In on Commencement Day to qualified Bachelor degree candidates. Click here for more information about honor cords. For questions about honors or cords, please see the Registrar's table at Commencement at Grad Check In.
• How do I know if I qualify for honors?
  Honors are determined by a student's cumulative grade point average at the completion of the previous semester. Contact the Registrar's Office to verify your eligibility.

  

Master Degree Candidates

• When will I receive my hood?
  You will pick up your hood when you pick up your regalia. Check with your department/school for more information about the Hooding Ceremonies or CLICK HERE.

 

Doctoral Degree Candidates

• How do I order my regalia and take measurements for it?
  You will order your regalia via Google form by the deadline (form coming soon) in which your school/college will send to your Lancer Mail. Your regalia will be shipped directly to you in late July. You will be emailed instructions to assist in taking your specific measurements for your Doctoral gown. Please contact the department secretary of your school or college for more information.