Student Commencement Information
Commencement Details
The Office of Student Affairs distributes to all graduating students a Commencement Information Packet through the Graduation Informational Meetings and mail. The packet contains:
Download Graduation Checklist (PDF)
Download Graduation Form (PDF)
Download Student Speaker Nomination Form (PDF)
Download Honorary Doctorate Nomination Form & List (PDF)
Download Baccalaureate Exhibition Guidelines & Form (PDF)
Download Digital Image Format Guidelines (PDF)
Eligibility
Students are eligible to participate in the college's commencement if the following requirements have been met:
- Complete degree requirements by fall 2008 or spring 2009
- Receive confirmation of degree audit for graduation by Student Records Office and submit current address for diploma mailing
- Schedule an exit loan interview with the Financial Aid Office
Once their Application for Graduation is approved, students must complete the Graduation Form, whether or not they plan to attend the ceremony. Information obtained with this form is needed to print diplomas and commencement programs as well as to order caps, gowns, announcements, and tickets.
Students should return the completed form to the Student Affairs office by the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (fall graduates)
- Wednesday, March 4, 2009 (spring graduates)
Announcements and Tickets
Each graduating student receives 10 complimentary announcements. Sets of five additional announcements can be ordered from the Student Affairs office ($5 each).
Announcements neither admit guests to the ceremony nor are they personalized.
Seating is limited. The number of tickets each graduating student can expect will be announced via email during the spring semester.
Students whose guests require wheelchair accommodations should contact the Student Affairs office.
Tams & Gowns
Commencement apparel is ordered using the Graduation Form and must be picked up on campus. For exact pick-up dates, review the Graduation Checklist (PDF)
Apparel is loaned, although CCA's unique caps—black velvet tams—can be purchased ($35 each). The traditional black midcalf-length gown and master's hoods must be returned.
Participants in the ceremony should return their caps, gowns, and hoods to room 101 during the postceremony reception on the San Francisco campus. Alternatively, these items can be returned the following Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the Student Affairs office on either campus.
Special Seating
If your guest list includes elderly, disabled, or other persons who are in need of special accommodations, please contact the Student Affairs office at 510.594.3666 or commencement@cca.edu three weeks prior to commencement to receive information regarding special entry and/or seating arrangements.
Ceremony
No commencement rehearsal will occur. Graduating students should plan to line up promptly at 1 p.m. (Location to be announced.)
Students will be placed in alphabetical order according to their conferred degrees: bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of architecture, master of arts, master of fine arts, and master of architecture.
Diplomas
The Student Records Office will mail diplomas via certified mail to the address listed on the Graduation Form. Diplomas are hand-pressed and feature the student's full legal name.
Diplomas and official transcripts are available to only 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 caps, gowns, and hoods (for master's degree recipients).