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 the following checklist to ensure you are eligible to participate in commencement.
Students are required to attend one of the following graduation informational meetings:
Fall 2012 graduates
Tuesday, October 23, 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Timken Lecture Hall, San Francisco campus
Spring 2013 graduates
Wednesday, February 20, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Timken LectureHall, San Francisco campus
Tuesday, February 26, 3-4 p.m.
Nahl Hall, Oakland campus
Check out the commencement presentation!
Deadlines
November 9, 2012 (for fall 2012 graduates)
March 15, 2013 (for spring 2013 graduates)
Difference between Graduation and Commencement
Graduation is a student's completion of all of their academic requirements as recorded on their official transcript and bestowed a diploma. Only eligible graduating students will have the opportunity to participate in commencement.
Commencement is an annual ceremony celebrating new alums. Watch a short video produced by Individualized Major Indira Allegra that highlights last year's commencement ceremony.
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 10 free announcements provided to every eligible graduating student.
Steps Toward Commencement
Step 1: Confirm your graduation eligibility.
Students are eligible to participate in the college's commencement ceremony only when the following requirements have been met:
- Enrollment in all degree requirements by fall 2012 or spring 2013
- Confirmation of degree candidacy
- Confirmation of good financial standing (made by the Student Accounts Office)
- Required exit-loan interview (expect an email in April from the Financial Aid Office for dates and times)
Step 2: Complete the WebAdvisor graduation information screen.
Students must check and update their graduation information regularly, accessible through the main page WebAdvisor.
Step 3: 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 15, or Thursday, May 16.
Herff Jones online gown ordering »
Step 4: Collect your announcements and tickets (beginning April 17).
Announcements and tickets must be collected from the Student Affairs Office on the campus you indicated on the WebAdvisor graduation information screen.
More information about tickets and announcements ».
Step 5: Nominate a student speaker.
Graduating students nominate a graduate and undergraduate student to speak at the commencement ceremony.
Student Speaker Nomination Form »
Step 6: 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 commencement ceremony.
Honorary Doctorate Nomination Form »
Step 7: 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 8: Submit a digital image
Students who participate 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 9: Collect your tam and gown (May 15 & 16)
All commencement apparel must be collected from the campus you indicated on the Herff-Jones online ordering form. For the exact pickup location, please refer to emails sent by the Commencement Planning Committee.
More information about gown pickup and return
Commencement
No commencement rehearsal will occur. Graduating students must check in and line up promptly at 1 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
To prepare for your participation in commencement, take a moment to review key moments of the procession.
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 that are gray and black and include 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.
Order your CCA Diploma Frame »
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.
Resources for Graduating Students
Career Development
Career Development 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.
International Student Affairs and Programs (ISAP)
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 Association
Graduating students automatically become members of the CCA Alumni Association. Membership benefits include social, networking, and career opportunities as well as access to campus libraries.