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FAQ's

Information about Gradfest

Information for Family

Information for Graduates

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GRADFEST

When is/What is GradFest 2009?

GradFest is the one-stop opportunity for graduates to make all arrangements for participation in Commencement. GradFest is set for March 11, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 6:30pm in the Matador Bookstore.

At GradFest 2009!

Students who have applied for graduation by March 6, 2009, are highly encouraged to attend GradFest, at which time they will be able to:

1. Name Verification
   

   Verify that their name appears on the official list of eligible participants and ensure its proper spelling in the Commencement Program.

2. Rent a cap and gown
   

   Students are required to wear a cap and gown during their commencement ceremony. At GradFest, a student can verify that their name appears of the list of graduates, where they will then be given a pre-order slip for their cap and gown. The slip should be filled out and then brought to the general Matador Bookstore line where they can make payment on their pre-order.

Those who are not on the official list of eligible participants will not be permitted to rent a cap and gown.

3. Other Commencement Ceremony & Graduation Needs
   

   Meet with vendors of items such as announcements, class ring, and photos. Representatives from the Alumni Association will be on hand with special membership offers and Honor Societies, and Cultural Graduation Organizations will also be present.

Do I have to attend GradFest 2009?

We strongly recommend that you attend GradFest 2008! so you can take advantage of all the vendors and services at once time!

What if I miss GradFest 2009?

If you miss GradFest 2009! vendors will still be available at the Bookstore from time to time. Feel free to contact the Matador Bookstore (818) 677-2932 to find out if there is a particular vendor available at the time you visit them. A Pre-Order process for cap and gown will still take place at the information booth in the bookstore after GradFest, however you can only pre-order your cap and gown for a limited time. You can still rent your cap and gown later on (non pre-order).

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For Family

Do I have to purchase tickets to the Main Ceremony?

The University plans allow for each graduate to have three to five guests in attendance. Tickets will not be required and seats may NOT be reserved.

What time should we arrive for Commencement Ceremony?

There will be many students participating at this year's Commencement Ceremonies, and likely that their families will joining them at this fantastic occasion. It is suggested that both students and families arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the ceremony starting to ensure parking and comfortable seating.

How much is parking and where should we park?

Parking will be free and traffic will be heavy. Please visit the Commencement Ceremony Map that is indicated on the main Commencement Website Page to ensure you are parking at the correct space designated for your ceremony.

What is available to help guests with disabilities?

Parking:

Please enter the campus from Nordhoff street at Darby and follow the directional signs to the closest available disabled person parking. For Oviatt Lawn ceremonies, a University Tram service will be available to pick up guests with disabilities in all of the ADA accessible parking lots that border Etiwanda Street (West University Drive). The Trams will pick-up disable guests and bring them to Lindley Street (East University Drive) providing them a short distance to there ceremony venue. From this drop off point guests will be able to find designated seating for disabled guests only, or a live caption room indoors will also be available in various locations including:

• Planetarium - Citrus Hall
• Nobbs Auditorium - Sequoia Hall

Tram services will be available to assist in bringing those guests to require a shorter distance of walking from their original parking location. (please see Commencement Ceremony Map)

Accomodations:

Wheelchair users and other disabled guests should be aware that the processional routes and Commencement sites are relatively accessible. Special seating for disabled guests will be available. . Because of limited seating capacity, the disabled guest may be accompanied by two additional members of their party. Every effort will be made to seat other family members in the closest adjacent seating area possible. Please keep in mind that 10 minutes prior to the ceremony this area will open to the general public.

Unfortunately, CSUN will not be providing wheelchairs for persons at this event.

How will I be able to see the ceremony?

The ceremony will take place outside and in full view of participants who find appropriate seating (in Chairs, Grandstand Seating) at the both locations.

Alternative viewing locations are available for the Oviatt Lawn Ceremonies only, and will be located inside various buildings adjacent to the ceremony taking place. These include:

• The Planetarium - Citrus Hall
• Nobbs Auditorium - Sequoia Hall Room

These rooms can be viewed on the Commencement Ceremony Map, and will provide guests with a live feed from the ceremony taking place, should they wish to get a better view, or get out of the sun.

How will I be able to meet up with my graduate after the ceremony?

After the Ceremony has concluded, students will be asked to remain seated until those on the stage have been able to leave. Upon the exit of the platform participants, students are then free to receive congratulations from their families and guests.

Is there any restricted items and/or security requirements?

To be considerate to other guests and graduates, we ask that you do not bring noise makers, utilize umbrellas, or stand in the aisles during the commencement ceremony. Due to the danger of errant balloons hitting power lines, Mylar balloons will not be allowed.

How long is the ceremony?

All ceremonies will traditionally last no longer than 2 hours.

Where is the reception and how long will it be?

Pending on when the ceremony takes place, receptions either occur before or after the actual commencement. Please download a copy of this year's Commencement Handbook to note the reception time for your graduate's ceremony.

Will there be a photographer?

For your convenience, the University has arranged for Chappell Graduation Images, to shoot two different poses of each graduating student. Should you wish to contact them their contact info is as follows:
(800) 424-3686 or www.gradimages.com

The student will be asked to follow their instructions that will be given at the Commencement site to insure an agreeable pose. A complimentary proof of each pose will be sent to you one to two weeks after Commencement Ceremony via email. While the photographer appreciates advance orders, (with a money back guarantee), advance orders are not required to receive your complimentary proofs. A letter from the photographer will be sent to the student in advance of Commencement with all pertinent information regarding this service.

Other Vendors that take Graduation Pictures, (i.e. Yearbook shots, etc.) will be at GradFest 2009!

What if I want to take pictures or film the ceremony?

For safety and security reasons, guests will NOT be permitted access to the stage area or graduate seating areas during the ceremony to photograph or video record the event. Please advise your guests to remain seated during the Commencement ceremony. The rules set forth by the Fire Marshal, who monitors our Commencement, do not allow for anyone to stand or block the aisles. Any person doing so will be removed. A special photo section is available adjacent to each side of the stage. See ushers on the day of the ceremony for more information.

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For Graduates

What is Honors Convocation?

The Honors Convocation is not a formal graduation ceremony but a celebration and honoring of those who have satisfied a variety of academic or personal achievements. This event is by invitation only and should you feel that you will be invited to Honors Convocation, please see make sure that you satisfy all of the requirements indicated on the Honors section of this website.

Invitations will be sent to recipients around the end of April. If you do not receive an invitation to Honors Convocation, but satisfy all of the requirements, first ensure that you have registered for Graduation and verify your correct address with the Student Portal. Please call our office should you have verified all of the above mentioned, and we can research the matter further.

At the Honors Convocation, students will receive both a ceremony program, as well as a commemorative medallion to be worn during their Commencement Ceremony.

Regalia should NOT be worn at Honors Convocation.

How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

Please inquire with the Office of Admissions and Records to see if you are eligible to graduate. Upon eligibility, a student must fill out his or her appropriate forms and submit them with payment to Cash Services in Bayramian Hall. Forms for Graduate Students and Undergrads are different, as different offices hold records for each constituency. Please make sure that you visit the main page of this website and click on the appropriate degree earned button to download your application for graduation.

Only students with an established graduation date of Fall 2008, Spring 2009, or Summer 2009 are eligible to participate in the 2009 Commencement ceremonies.

Eligible students who complete their degree application by March 7, 2009, will be automatically placed on the list of students who will receive information about the 2009 Commencement ceremonies including a letter about GradFest 2009, and the Commencement Handbook.

When is the deadline for graduation and how to I apply?

The deadline to apply for graduation AND to be considered eligible to attend the Commencement Ceremonies for 2009 is March 6th, 2009.

For Undergraduates (Bachelor Degree Recipients)

Please visit http://www.csun.edu/anr/grad for a timeline on when dates to apply for Graduation.

For Graduates (Masters Degree Recipients)

Please visit:
http://www.csun.edu/graduatestudies/02_GraduateStudies/06_CurrentStudent.html for a timeline on when to apply for Graduation.

Can I purchase my cap and gown?

Yes, you can purchase your cap and gown through the bookstore. Please contact them at (818) 677-2932 as this is a custom order.

Where can I get graduation announcements?

Graduation Announcements will be provided by Josten's through the Matador Bookstore. Josten's Representatives will be plentiful at GradFest, and then at the Bookstore at various times throughout the semester. If you are not able to come to meet with them personally at the Bookstore, visit them at: www.shop.jostens.com or at 1-800-854-7464 M-F from 7am to 8pm CST.

How do I know what college I am part of?

Please visit the main page of this website and click on the button located on the bottom of the Commencement Schedule to identify what college your major falls into.

How do I obtain information about my diploma status?

Please contact the office of Admissions and Records for this information.

What color tassel will I be wearing?

Please download the College and Majors List and Colors to identify what color tassel your College requires you to wear.

Is there a difference between graduating with Honors from the University and receiving honors recognition at the Honors Convocation?

Please visit the Honors section of this website.

Where can I rent my cap and gown?

You can rent your cap and gown from the Matador Bookstore starting on GradFest day. At the bookstore a student must verify that their name appears on the list of students graduating, where they will then get a Cap & Gown Pre Order slip which can be utilized from GradFest day. If a student can't pre-order their cap and gown, they can still come to the Matador Bookstore from to rent regalia on-hand.

What are the cost to rent my cap and gown?

Bachelor's Regalia: Gown, Cap and Tassel: To be determined
Master's Regalia: Gown, Hood, Cap and Tassel: To be determined

When and where do I return my graduation regalia?

All rented regalia should be returned at the conclusion of your College's Commencement ceremony either to drop-off points at each Commencement site or at the Matador Bookstore. The cap and tassel are yours to keep.

A late fee will be assessed for rentals not returned by deadline. Please bring late returns to the Matador Bookstore.

Can I attend the Honors Convocation and the Commencement Ceremony?

Yes. The Honors Convocation is a separate ceremony that is not considered an official Commencement Ceremony.

Do I have to attend the Honors Convocation?

Should a student receive an invitation to Honors Convocation, but cannot attend, then they can make arrangements to pick up their medallion and program from the Office of Student Development & International Programs the week proceeding the Commencement Ceremonies. Due to staffing concerns we are unable to give out medallions during the week of Commencement.

Do I have to wear my cap and gown to the Honors Convocation?

No. Please dress appropriately to this event, however do not wear formal regalia.

When I get to my the ceremony...

Where should I go?

What do I do?

What should I bring with me?

Graduates should arrive robed and ready to line-up for the processional no later then 60 minutes before the ceremony is to begin in order to check-in. At the Commencement ceremony, students possessing an official name card will be directed to the line-up area. Students without their official name card will be directed to graduate check-in. Students must retain the official name card until collected by the name reader during the ceremony. Official Name Cards will be given to all students when they pick up their regalia from the bookstore.

Where will the check-in area be?

The assembly area for the Oviatt Library Lawn ceremonies will be at the south end of the Sierra Quad. Look for the directional signs and a tent that will be clearly marked "graduate check-in". Faculty and staff from your College will be supervising the line-up procedure for the processional. Please follow their instructions.

The assembly area for Manzanita Hall Lawn ceremonies will be in the lawn immediately west of the building between Manzanita and West University Drive (Etiwanda Street). Look for the directional signs and a tent that will be clearly marked "graduate check-in". Faculty and staff from your College will be supervising the line-up procedure for the processional. Please follow their instructions.

What are the cost to rent my cap and gown?

Bachelor's Regalia: Gown, Cap and Tassel: To be determined
Master's Regalia: Gown, Hood, Cap and Tassel: To be determined

Double Majors:

Students graduating with a Double Major will be allowed to attend both ceremonies should each major fall into a different college. For example if you double majored in Philosophy and English, you can attend both the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and College of Humanities' ceremonies. If you plan to attend two ceremonies, you will only receive one official name card upon picking up your regalia at the Matador Bookstore. To be able to attend the second ceremony, you will need to come to the Commencement Check-in area at your second ceremony, and explain your situation to a commencement staff employee or college ceremony representative, in order to receive a second official name card.

Special Majors:

Students graduating with a Special Major or interdisciplinary study are to attend the ceremony of your advisor's college, or which ever college you have taken most courses from.

Where can I purchase and take pictures for my Yearbook?

Digital + One Hour Photo Lab (located at the University Student Union) is the University's Vendor for CSUN's Yearbook. They can be found at (818) 772-0580.

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