For Graduating Students

Commencement is the culminating event of your career at Chapman. All graduates, their friends and families are invited to attend this colorful ceremony during which the President, Chancellor, Trustees and Faculty applaud your achievement. We encourage students and guests to understand deadlines and requirements thoroughly so that approval to take part in Commencement is not delayed. Check back often for the latest updates regarding necessities, scheduling and end-of-year events.

Academic Criteria for Commencement Participation

To participate in May Commencement Ceremonies students must meet one of the following academic conditions:

1.       Have met all degree requirements prior to the 2010 spring semester and are conferred in August 2009 or January 2010; OR

2.       Have officially filed with the Registrar’s Office, an “Application for Degree Conferral” for May 2010 and have completed or are pending completion of all degree requirements by the end of the 2010 spring semester, as determined by the Registrar’s Office. Graduate students must take any required comprehensive examinations in the 2010 spring semester; OR

3.       Have officially filed with the Registrar’s Office, no later than April 15, 2010, an “Application for Degree Conferral” for an August 2010 conferral date, and by the end of spring semester have remaining only the following for completion of degree requirements, as determined by the Registrar’s Office:

A.       Undergraduates (BA, BFA, BM, BS) – 9 credits*

      *Any student with questions regarding qualifications for participation in Commencement prior to completing degree requirements ("walk short") is requested to contact the Academic Advising Center as early as possible to review his/her academic record.

B.       Graduate students, by school:

1.   8 credits for Argyros School of Business and Economics (MBA, EMBA).

2.   Dodge College of Film and Media Arts students are not permitted to participate in Commencement until they have completed all requirements (MA, MFA).

3.   College of Educational Studies 
a.  6 credits for MA in Counseling or MA in Educational Psychology.
b.  3 credits for MA in Teaching (MAT).
c.  MA in Education (MAE) or MA in Special Education students are not permitted to participate in Commencement until they have completed all coursework and passed comprehensive examinations prior to the end of the 2010 spring semester.

4.   6 credits for Master’s graduates in Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences (MA, MFA). Graduate students must pass any required comprehensive examinations in the 2010 spring semester.

5.   6 credits for Master's graduates in Schmid College of Science (MA, MS). Graduate students must pass any required comprehensive examinations in the 2010 spring semester.

6.   6 credits for Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates in Schmid College of Science (DPT). However, DPT graduates are subject to unique requirements because of clinical coursework in the final semester. DPT graduates should consult with the Department of Physical Therapy to discuss requirements for participation in May Commencement.

7.   School of Law students should contact the School of Law Registrar’s Office for information regarding Application for Degree Conferral and participation in Commencement at 714.628.2522 (LLM, JD).