Commencement 2026: December 19, 2026
Concordia University Irvine
Celebrating all Summer and Fall 2026 graduates!
#CUIClassof2026 #CUIGrad
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Ceremony Details
Commencement information will be sent to graduation candidates via their Eagles email account. Graduates should be sure to check their Eagles email frequently and are encouraged to share that information with their guests.
This page is frequently updated as additional information becomes available from the Commencement Committee. Please contact [email protected] with your Commencement questions.
The stage portion of the Commencement ceremony will be live-streamed. The video will come available the day of Commencement.
Commencement Format
Concordia University Irvine is proud to celebrate our graduates alongside their families through a unique ceremony format. This walkthrough format allows graduates and their families to engage with the campus community together while celebrating each graduate’s individual accomplishments. Please click the button below to watch a highlight video of one of our past Commencements.
As soon as graduates and their families arrive on campus, they will be guided along a route through campus to the stage. Plan for walking approximately half a mile over a period of 30-40 minutes. PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY! Portions of the walkway may be uphill. Graduates will enter the venue with their friends and family, walk across the stage, and have professional photos taken. After the graduate has crossed the stage and their family and friends are done cheering, they will meet outside to continue celebrating. Multiple photo opportunities will be present on our beautiful campus.
Guest Assistance
This ceremony is a walking ceremony, but golf cart rides will be provided from the parking lot to the venue and back to the parking lot for guests who need assistance. Golf cart services cannot be reserved in advance but will be readily available for those who need assistance. Let the gatehouse attendant know that you need assistance and a cart will meet you at your parking spot. If necessary, guests should bring their own walkers or wheelchairs as none will be provided. Please note that only trained service dogs are allowed at Commencement.
Parking Passes/Tickets
More information will be coming in August 2026.
Time Slots
Graduates will be assigned time slots through their Eagles email. Time slots represent the time that the graduate and all of their guests should arrive on campus to begin their celebration. Each time slot has a maximum capacity but there are enough time slots for everyone. All graduates must fill out a Time Slot Request Form to participate in Commencement. Students who do not fill out this form will not be assigned a time slot. The form will be sent to students via their Eagles email in October and will be open until October 15th at 4:30pm. The form will allow students to either request other graduates they would like to walk with OR to request a specific time slot. Please know we will try our very best to accommodate everyone’s requests, but requests are not guaranteed. After the form closes, any and all time slot requests will not be accepted. Official time slot assignments will be emailed to graduates who filled out the form in the middle of November. Additional details will be coming in August 2026.
Rain or Shine Event
The ceremony will be held rain or shine.
Photos
We are pleased to offer GradImages as our photo vendor. Pre-register for photography before the ceremony for 20% off of your order.
Decorum & Celebration Policies
Gown length and style may not be altered. Stoles and hoods may not be customized in any way. Modest personal embellishments are allowed on the cap, but must lie flat, cannot extend over the edge, and must be appropriate.
Only Concordia-approved regalia (including pins, stoles, cords, and medallions) bestowed at the Undergraduate Academic Achievement ceremony and provided by university-sponsored clubs or Concordia University Irvine Veterans Resource Center may be worn at graduation. Decorative items such as costume leis, beads, or sashes may only be worn after the ceremony. Balloons, alcohol, glass, noisemakers, firearms, and weapons are not permitted on campus.
Hotel and Travel Information
Concordia is partnering with local hotels to give you and your guests a pleasant stay during your celebration.
More information will be coming in August 2026.
Local Airports
The nearest airport to Concordia is John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA).
Other nearby airports include Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and San Diego International Airport.
Prepare for Your Big Day
As you look ahead and anticipate walking in Concordia University Irvine’s Commencement Ceremony, preparation begins months in advance, beginning with your application for Graduation. Please see the degree pages for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates to learn about deadlines and details.
Regalia
Gowns for Bachelor’s and Master’s Graduates are sized according to height and weight and are ordered according to information provided on the Application for Graduation. Academic regalia is free of charge. Bachelor’s regalia includes a cap, gown, tassel, and stole. Master’s regalia includes a cap, gown, tassel, and hood. Doctoral graduates will order their regalia through Jostens. More information can be found on graduation pages for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates. Here is a video that shows how to wear the academic hood for master’s degree and doctoral degree candidates. Doctoral candidates will be hooded on stage by their Chair. All other students should arrive at Commencement wearing all regalia.
Graduation Announcements, Class Rings, and Accessories
You may order special Concordia University Irvine branded memorabilia from the Jostens’ website or by calling 800-854-7464. Concordia University Irvine’s Bookstore also has some great alumni gear and diploma frames. There will be flowers for sale. You can pre-order flowers by clicking here or you may purchase them on Commencement day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to apply for graduation and pay the Graduation Application Fee?
All students who wish to have their degree posted must complete an Application for Graduation. This is necessary regardless of your intent to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
The Graduation Application Fee is non-refundable. It covers the administrative time needed to process your application, run a degree audit, track your progress, post the degree to your transcript, and mail your diploma.
Visit the page for your degree level for more specific information:
How do I order replacement regalia?
If your regalia has been lost or damaged, contact [email protected] to order a replacement. Regalia takes 4–6 weeks to arrive. There is no additional charge if you pick up your regalia; shipping costs an additional $10.
Bachelor’s Degree Regalia
- Gown: $25
- Stole: $20
- Cap: $5
- Tassel: $5
- Everything: $55
Master’s Degree Regalia
- Gown: $30
- Hood: $30
- Cap: $5
- Tassel: $5
- Everything: $70
Submit the replacement regalia order form. A member of the Office of the Registrar will contact you shortly afterward with more information.
When will my degree be posted?
Degrees are posted after all requirements have been satisfied. Concordia posts degrees at the completion of the regular terms; degrees are not posted mid-term, even if a program ends mid-term. Please allow 4–6 weeks after the end of the term for your degree to post, and plan accordingly.
Note: Degrees will not be evaluated for verification or conferral, and diplomas will not be released, until all financial obligations are met.
When and how do I get my diploma?
Official diplomas are issued 6–8 weeks after your degree is posted at the end of the term, provided you have no outstanding financial obligations to the University. They are mailed to the current address on file unless special arrangements are made.
Note: Diplomas are not issued at Commencement ceremonies.
How do I order another diploma?
Whether you changed your name or lost your diploma, replacement diplomas are available by completing the Diploma Reorder Form. A replacement diploma costs $25 and takes 6–8 weeks to obtain.
How do I order transcripts?
You can order your transcripts online.
How do I update my address?
Use this form to update your contact information.
Does Concordia have resources to help me find a job?
Yes. The Center for Career & Vocation helps you determine and fulfill your career goals.
As a graduate, the Alumni Association’s CUI Connect lets you network with other alumni and gives you access to job opportunities, an alumni-to-student mentorship program, a searchable directory, and more.
Registrar
Support for records, registration, and graduation.
Get in Touch
Contact [email protected] with your questions.