Student Information
Student Information
Students are required to attend one of the following graduation informational meetings:
Spring 2012 graduates
Tuesday, February 7, 3 - 4 p.m.
Nahl Hall, Oakland campus
Wednesday, February 8, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Timken Hall, San Francisco campus
Graduation information presentation
Required Steps to Graduate
The end of your challenging and rewarding journey as a CCA student is approaching quickly. With great anticipation, your families, friends, and campus community are preparing to celebrate this milestone. Use this checklist to ensure you graduate on time.
Form Deadlines
November 11, 2011 (for fall 2011 graduates)
March 16, 2012 (for spring 2012 graduates)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Students are eligible to participate in the college's commencement ceremony if the following requirements have been met:
- Enrollment in all degree requirements by fall 2011 or spring 2012
- Confirmation of degree candidacy
- Confirmation of good financial standing (made by the Student Accounts Office)
- Expect an email in April from the Financial Aid Office for dates and times of required exit loan interview
Step 2: Complete the Graduation Information Screen (Due November 11 for fall graduates; March 16 for spring graduates)
Students must check and update their graduation information on WebAdvisor. (The Graduation Information Screen is located on the right-hand side under Academic Profile.)
Step 3: Nominate a Student Speaker
Graduating students nominate a graduate and undergraduate student to speak at the commencement ceremony.
Student Speaker Nomination Form
Step 4: Nominate an Honorary Doctorate Recipient
Faculty, students, alumni, and the Board of Trustees nominate members of the artistic or civic communities to be considered for the honorary doctorate of fine arts selection process to be recognized at the following commencement ceremony.
Honorary Doctorate Nomination Form
Step 5: Exhibit Your Work
Graduate students will participate through their individual programs. Undergraduate students are invited to participate in the Baccalaureate Exhibition.
Baccalaureate Exhibition application
Step 6: Order Your Gown through the Herff Jones's Website
Students participating in the commencement ceremony must order their gown online to be picked up on campus Wednesday, May 9 or Thursday, May 10.
Herff Jones Online Gown Ordering
Step 7: Submit a Digital File Image
Students participating in the commencement ceremony are expected to submit a digital image that will be shown during the hour preceding the ceremony. Previous graduates have submitted images representing their work or themselves. (Be sure to properly and clearly identify your digital file when submitting. Name the file in the following manner: "LAST_FIRST.jpg"; or if submitting an image of work, "LAST_FIRST_TITLE.jpg".)
Digital Image Format Guidelines
Step 8: Collect Your Announcements and Tickets (beginning April 18)
Announcements and tickets must be collected from the Student Affairs Office on the campus you indicated on the WebAdvisor Graduation Information Screen.
TICKETS: Each graduate will receive 6 complimentary tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased at $2 each (4 is the maximum number of extra tickets). Extra tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis at Student Affairs. Graduating students who choose not to participate in the ceremony yet would still like to attend, may receive two complimentary tickets. Seating is limited.
Special seating is available for the elderly, disabled, or other persons who are in need of special accommodations. Please email commencement@cca.edu before May 7 to receive information regarding special entry and/or seating arrangements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Each graduate receives 10 complimentary announcements designed by CCA's Sputnik design studio. Sets of five additional announcements can be ordered from the Student Affairs Office for $5 per set. Announcements are neither personalized nor are they ticket substitutions to the commencement ceremony.
Step 9: Collect Your Tam and Gown (May 9 & 10)
All commencement apparel must be collected from the campus you indicated on the Herff-Jones online ordering form. For the exact pick-up location, please refer to emails sent by the Commencement Planning Committee.
Keeping with CCA's value of sustainability all apparel is loaned. The traditional black midcalf-length gown, tam and master's hoods must be returned. Although master's hoods may be purchased by contacting Herff-Jones directly. They will mail a brand new hood to your residence. Also CCA's unique caps—black tams—may be purchased for $20 each.
Participants in the ceremony should return their tams, gowns, and master hoods to the Student Affairs Office located on the 1st floor of the 80 Carolina building on the San Francisco campus immediately following the ceremony. Alternatively, these items can be returned the following week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to the Student Affairs Office on either campus. Students who do not return their loaned apparel within 2 weeks will be fined a return fee.
Commencement
No commencement rehearsal will occur. Graduating students must check in and line up promptly at 1 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
Diplomas
Diplomas were designed by faculty and alum Michael Vanderbyl. The Student Records Office mails diplomas via certified mail to the domestic address submitted on the WebAdvisor Graduation Information Screen. Diplomas cannot be mailed internationally; therefore, students must make special delivery arrangements themselves to have their signed diplomas sent outside the United States.
Diplomas and official transcripts are available only to those graduating students who have met all academic requirements and deadlines and whose financial account with the college is in good standing. All borrowed publications, equipment, or supplies must be returned to the lending office or program, including ceremonial tams, gowns, and hoods (for master's degree recipients).
Diploma Frames
We are pleased to offer CCA diploma frames feature gray and black with a gold embossing of the college's name. Framing Success was chosen as the college's provider for its ongoing commitment to the environment. A variety of styles are offered, and all hardwood frames are made with Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®) certified wood from well-managed forests. The unique custom frame design allows for easy document insertion, so there’s no need to send your diploma.
Class Rings
Students can now display their accomplishments with college rings from Herff Jones. There are numerous combinations that allow you to customize your class ring to be reflective of your accomplishments while at CCA.
Graduation Fee
The graduation fee is $100. This is a one-time-only fee that applies whether you choose to attend the commencement ceremony. The fee covers the administrative process of your graduation form and the printing and certified mailing of your diploma. Should you choose to participate in the commencement ceremony, the college is committed to celebrating new alums by covering the costs of the ceremony and reception, gown and tam rentals and various printings such as the ten free announcements provided to every eligible graduating student.
Resources
Career Services
Career Services makes available valuable student and alumni professional services that embody the college's goal to equip students and alumni with the confidence and tools to assert themselves, their work, and their roles as cultural leaders in the world. Graduating students may schedule an appointment to have their résumés reviewed.
International Student Affairs and Programs
International students with F-1 status may be eligible to seek permission to work in the United States for up to 12 months beyond graduation. If interested in applying, contact International Student Affairs and Programs (ISAP) Office as soon as possible.
International Student Affairs and Programs
Alumni Services
Graduating students automatically become members of the Alumni Association. Membership benefits include social, networking, and career opportunities as well as access to campus libraries.