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Office of the Registrar | Commencement
Celebrating all Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 graduates: May 6, 2023
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 note that all Commencement events are subject to change in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19. Please contact [email protected] with your commencement questions.
May
5
The service is for all graduating students, their attending family, and friends.
May 5, 2023 - 3:30PM
CU Center: 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612
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.
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 CU Center 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.
Golf cart rides from the parking lot to the venue and back to the parking lot will be provided for guests who need assistance. If necessary, guests must bring their own walkers and wheelchairs as none will be provided.
Due to limited parking availability and venue capacity restrictions, graduates will be issued 2 parking passes each. The parking pass is in lieu of guest tickets and graduates may invite as many guests as can safely fit inside the vehicle. Vehicles must be able to fit into a standard-size parking stall (no RVs, limos, party buses, etc.). Parking passes will be issued the week before Commencement. Vehicles without a parking pass will not be allowed on campus. We will not issue additional passes. Please plan accordingly.
Graduates must sign up for a time slot to participate in commencement. Time slots range from 8:30am to 11:45am. The time slot represents 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.
The ceremony will be held rain or shine.
This ceremony will be live-streamed. The link will be available the week before.
We are pleased to offer GradImages as our photo vendor. Pre-register for photography before the ceremony for 20% off of your order.
Lifting of COVID-related Restrictions: As of April 1, 2022, the State of California is lifting all COVID-related restrictions on large events. As such, masks are no longer required for guests at large indoor events, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals are welcome to wear masks at Commencement-related activities if they choose to do so.
Commencement plans will be in compliance with the public health guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control, the State of California, and Orange County. We want to ensure the health and wellbeing of our Concordia community and commencement guests are a top priority. We kindly ask that guests and graduates use discretion when considering attending, and follow CDC guidelines for health screening and travel.
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 lay flat, cannot extend over the edge, and must be appropriate.
Only CUI-approved regalia (including pins, stoles, cords, and medallions) bestowed at the Undergraduate Academic Achievement ceremony and provided by university-sponsored clubs or CUI 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.
Concordia is partnering with local hotels to give you and your guests a pleasant stay during your celebration.
Hilton Garden Inn Irvine/Orange County Airport – click here to book a room. A discount is available for reservations placed before 4/17/2023. Call (949) 224-3900 and mention “Concordia Spring Commencement 2023” for the discount.
Courtyard Irvine Spectrum – click here to book a room. A discount is available for reservations placed before 4/7/2023. Call (800) 321-2211 or (949) 453-1033 and mention “Concordia University Commencement Ceremony” to receive the discount.
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.
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.
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.
You may order special Concordia University Irvine branded memorabilia from the Jostens’ website or by calling 800-854-7464. CUI’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.