Commencement and Graduation Information

Why do I have to apply for graduation?

Degree posting is not automatic and all students who wish to have their degree posted must complete an Application for Graduation. This is necessary regardless of intent to participate in the commencement ceremony. All coursework must be scheduled for completion by the end of the last term of enrollment. Please visit the page for your degree level for more specific information.

What is the Graduation Application Fee?

This fee is non-refundable and is assessed regardless of the student's intent to participate in the commencement ceremony. This fee covers the administrative time needed to process the application, run a degree audit, track the student’s progress and post the degree to the student’s transcript. It also covers the cost of ordering and mailing the diploma. Please visit the page for your degree level for the application deadlines and fee schedule.

What is regalia?

Regalia is the apparel that graduating students are required to wear during the Commencement Ceremony. Academic regalia for Bachelors students includes a cap, gown, tassel and stole. Academic regalia for Masters students includes a cap, gown, tassel and hood. Academic regalia for Doctoral students includes a tam with tassel, robe, and hood.

I need to replace my lost or ruined regalia. What should I do?

If your regalia has been lost or damaged, please contact Sarah Whitehair (sarah.whitehair@cui.edu) order a replacement. Regalia will take 4-6 weeks to arrive. If you pick up your regalia, there will be no additional charges. Shipping regalia costs an additional $10. Below are the prices for regalia.

Bachelors Degree Regalia

Gown: $25
Stole: $20
Cap: $5
Tassel: $5
Everything: $55

Masters Degree Regalia

Gown: $30
Hood: $30
Cap: $5
Tassel: $5
Everything: $70

I tried on my gown but it doesn't fit. How do I get one that fits?

Be sure to try on and carefully inspect all of your regalia immediately after receiving it. If your gown does not fit properly, contact Sarah Whitehair (sarah.whitehair@cui.edu) as soon as possible.

Is my hood color correct (Master and Doctoral Students)?

The green and gold lining of the hood is the same for all hoods. The velvet hood coloring is based on your discipline as follows:
MAEd/MEd – Light Blue
MBA – Brown
MA: Coaching – Green
MAIS – White
MAOL – White
MATHL - Red
MHA – Salmon
MS: Coaching – Gold
MSN – Apricot/orange

How is my hood supposed to look (Master and Doctoral students)?

Here are photos of previous ceremonies. If you need help arranging your regalia on the day of commencement, please be sure to arrive at the staging area early so that a staff member may assist.

What is Grad Fest?

Grad Fest is a come and go event for all students who are participating in commencement. You do not have to stay the whole time and no RSVP is required. Come for prizes, regalia (Bachelors and Masters students only), diploma frames, class rings and graduation announcements. Please visit the page for your degree level for more information.

What is Baccalaureate?

This ceremony is a religious worship service for our students, faculty, staff and guests. No tickets are needed for you or your guests. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking will be available on Concordia’s campus and is free.

How long do the Commencement Ceremonies last?

Commencement Ceremonies generally last between 1 ½ and 2 hours. Graduates are expected to remain seated and participate in the entire ceremony. Please visit the page for your degree level for more information including the time and address.

I need a special accommodation made for the Commencement Ceremony, what do I need to do?

Please contact Sarah Whitehair (sarah.whitehair@cui.edu) to let her know what you need.

One of my guests needs a special accommodation made for the Commencement Ceremony, what is provided?

Handicap parking and seating is available at the ceremony. If assistance is needed, golf carts will be available from the parking lots to the venue. Ushers will be present to direct guests to seating options.

What happens if I can't attend Commencement after all?

Please contact Sarah Whitehair (sarah.whitehair@cui.edu) and let her know as soon as possible. There is no penalty for changing your mind and it does not affect the timeframe in which you can expect to receive your diploma.

Hotel Accommodations

Concordia University Irvine has partnered with the Hilton Hotel Group to offer local accommodations at a discount for all of our graduation guests and family members. Booking links and additional information on the hotels can be found below.

Fall Commencement:

• Hampton Inn and Suites (5.5 miles from CUI)
• Hilton Garden Inn (5.5 miles from CUI)
• Holiday Inn Irvine Spectrum (7 miles from CUI)
• Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa (9 miles from CUI)

Spring Commencement:

• Hampton Inn and Suites (6.5 miles from Bren Events Center)
• Hilton Garden Inn (4 miles from Bren Events Center)
• Holiday Inn Irvine Spectrum (10 miles from Bren Events Center)
• Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa (5.5 miles from Bren Events Center)

When will my degree be posted?

Degrees will be posted after all requirements have been satisfied. Concordia posts degrees three times a year—at the completion of the regular Summer (August), regular Fall (December), and regular Spring (May) terms. Degrees are not posted mid-term, even if a program ends mid-term. Please allow 4-6 weeks after the end of the regular term for the final posting of your degree and make future plans accordingly.

When and how do I get my diploma?

Official diplomas are issued 6-8 weeks after the degree is posted at the end of the term provided that you have no outstanding financial obligations to the University. They are mailed to the current address on file unless special arrangements are made. Diplomas are not issued at any commencement ceremonies.

I need a new diploma. How can I order one?

Whether you changed your name or lost your diploma, replacement diplomas are available by completing the Diploma Reorder Form. The cost for a replacement diploma is $25 and takes 6-8 weeks to obtain.

How do I order transcripts?

Transcripts can be ordered in person at the Registrar's Office or the request form is available online.

How do I update my address?

Please mail any address changes to:
Concordia University
Office of the Registrar
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
or email it to registrar@cui.edu using your eagles email account. You may also update your address in MyRecords, be sure to use the “Current Address” designation.

Am I eligible for honors?

Only undergraduates are eligible for honors. Please visit the page for your degree level for more information.

Does Concordia University Irvine have any resources that can help me find a job?

Yes! Concordia has a strong Alumni network as well as our Office of Career Development Services.

How do I order my Class Ring or Announcements?

Check out Jostens website to order your graduation products or you may call (800) 854-7464. Mark your calendar for Grad Fest as Jostens provides a discount on items purchased in person.

How do I order a diploma frame?

Diploma frames can be ordered through the bookstore either in person or online at the CUI Bookstore. They are also available for pick up at Grad Fest.