Frequently Asked Questions
All questions about Commencement can be answered by viewing other pages of this Commencement website. Use this page as a quick reference guide for any specific questions you still cannot find after reading other pages.
- Undergraduates (Bachelor's): questions about applying to graduate, Latin Honors, diplomas or other graduation related items: contact Registrar's Office at registrar@sjsu.edu and include your student ID.
- Graduate Students (Master's and Doctoral): questions about Candidacy Advancement, graduation applications, Latin honors, diplomas or other graduation related items: contact the GAPE Office at graduate@sjsu.edu and include your student ID.
- Credential Applicants: Contact your specific program department if you have any questions about participation in Commencement or use the Grad Sammy chatbot in the lower right corner of this Commencement website for questions. For questions about applying for any of SJSU's credential programs, contact credentials@sjsu.edu. Note that the Credentials Office does not handle Commencement-related matters.
- Doctoral graduates
- Pre-Commencement preparation
- Day-of Commencement questions
- After Commencement questions
General Commencement Questions:
How do I know if I am eligible to participate in commencement?
Fully read and review the About Commencement page.
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
What are Latin Honors?
Latin Honors are only awarded to undergraduate students. Graduate students are not
eligible for Latin Honors.
To qualify for Latin Honors, both your SJSU cumulative grade point average (GPA) and cumulative GPA of all college courses taken at any other institution prior to SJSU
must meet minimum requirements, which can be found through the Office of the Registrar.
Latin Honors will be noted on both your diploma and transcript.
Questions about Latin Honors may be directed to the Office of the Registrar. The Commencement team cannot handle inquiries regarding your Latin Honors.
College, student organization or society specific honors eligibility are determined by the associated college, student organization or society office. Contact them directly for more information.
How do I get my Latin Honors medallion?
Latin Honors are only awarded to undergraduate students. Graduate students are not eligible for Latin Honors.
Students who are expected to receive Latin Honors (based on their last graded semester at SJSU) will receive an email from the commencement office with instructions for claiming their medallion before the commencement ceremony.
After Commencement, once all students' final grades have posted, eligible students will be notified via email with instructions for when/where they can exchange or claim their medallion.
Questions about Latin Honors may be directed to the Registrar. The Commencement team cannot handle inquiries regarding your Latin Honors.
How do I verify or change the name that will be in the Graduation Book?
Graduating student names are provided by the Registrar or GAPE offices. Please contact them directly to verify your name. For Spring, changes made after May 1 may not be reflected in the Ceremony Program. For Fall, changes made after December 1 may not be reflected in the printed book.
If you do not wish to have your name appear in the commencement book, please contact the Registrar or GAPE offices.
How do I verify or change the name that will be on my diploma?
Please see information on this page about the name that is printed on your diploma. If you have any further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
When will I receive my diploma?
Undergraduate students, please view the diploma mailing schedule here. If you have any further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office
Graduate students, please contact GAPE Office directly.
Undergraduate Students
How do I apply to graduate as an Undergraduate Student?
Visit Application Central on the Registrar's website for detailed information.
I am an undergraduate student and have applied for graduation- what's next?
I have more specific questions about graduation as an Undergraduate Student.
Visit the FAQ page on the Registrar's website.Graduate Students
How do I apply to graduate as a Graduate Student?
View the steps for completing your graduate degree with the GAPE office. You can also view the candidacy and graduation deadlines. We highly recommend attending Graduation Workshops hosted by GAPE throughout the semester.
I have more specific questions about graduation as a Graduate Student.
Please visit the Graduate Student Guide on the GAPE Website.
Credential Program Students
How do I indicate that I am interested in participating in Commencement as a credential student?
Contact the Credential Services Office to indicate your intent to participate in Commencement.
Doctoral Students
How do I apply to graduate as a doctoral student?
View the steps for completing your graduate degree with the GAPE office. You can also view the candidacy and graduation deadlines. We highly recommend attending Graduation Workshops hosted by GAPE throughout the semester.
Students: After Applying to Graduate, but Before the Attending a Commencement Ceremony
Do I need to register for my Commencement ceremony?
Yes. Visit the About Commencement page.
Where do I get my cap and gown or regalia?
See the Academic Regalia page.
I have questions about tickets
You will need to completely read, review, understand and agree to the processes outlined on the Registration and Tickets page.
Where does the ceremony take place?
The Commencement ceremony takes place at the Provident Credit Union Event Center on campus.
Is there a yearbook? Program? Book?
Digital programs for each ceremony are available shortly before Commencement ceremonies and after. Guests and graduates are invited to customize and create their own digital Grad Books with personalized messages and images.
Is there a practice walk for Grads?
There is no practice walk or run-through for graduates. Graduates should instead arrive to the venue no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, and follow staff instructions to get seated in their designated section, inside the building.
How can I change my name for the ceremony?
You can change your "announced name" during the registration/RSVP process.
Can I get a letter of invitation for my traveling family/guests?
A letter from SJSU is not required for a visitor's immigration visa application. SJSU does not issue invitation letters for students or family members, but you can provide a copy of your graduation application, unofficial transcripts and academic calendar to your family so that they can include that with their immigration visa application when they apply on their own merit.
Does my child need a guest ticket?
All guests ages three (3) and up will need a guest ticket. Guests who are two (2) years old or younger do not need a guest ticket.
Can I participate in more than one ceremony?
No, students can only participate in one ceremony for their graduation. If a student is earning two (2) degrees from more than one different college in the same semester, they will be able to attend both ceremonies.
Day-of Commencement
What services, amenities or offerings will be available at commencement?
Fully review and read the Amenities page, then explore the interactive event map.
To access the map on the day-of Commencement, on any mobile device, go to go.sjsu.edu/gradmap.
Where can I park on campus for the ceremony?
Fully read and review the Commencement parking page for the latest information, then explore the interactive event map for all parking and wayfinding on the day-of.
Can I buy gifts for a graduating student?
All gift and merchandise information is found on the Amenities page.
Is there ADA (disabled) seating and parking?
All accessibility information for graduates and guests is available on the Accessibility page.
Where can I watch the live stream of the ceremony?
Visit the Ceremonies page.
What time should I get to the ceremony?
Students and guests, should arrive to the venue on campus no later than one hour before their respective ceremony start time. Parking will be impacted/ traffic will be congested, so please arrive early enough to find parking and walk to the venue on campus before the arrival window listed above.
As a graduating student, what can I expect on the day of the ceremony?
Fully read and review the day-of expectations for graduating students.
As a guest of a graduating student, what can I expect on the day of the ceremony?
Fully read and review the day-of page.
After Commencement - or Graduating without participating in Commencement
When will I receive my diploma?
Undergraduate students, fully read the diploma mailing schedule. If you have any further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@sjsu.edu and include your student ID. Graduate students, please contact the GAPE Office directly at graduate@sjsu.edu and include your student ID.
How do I join the Alumni Association?
You can join the Alumni Association online or by phone at 408-924-6515.
I joined the Alumni Association at the Spartan Bookstore during Grad Fest. When will I receive my membership card?
You will receive your membership packet, including membership card, by the end of June (for spring graduates) or end of January (for fall graduates).
How do I request a transcript?
The transcripts page on the Office of the Registrar's website provides information on requesting an official transcript. Visit the Office of the Registrar site for more information.
Where can I buy SJSU Alumni logo merchandise?
Visit the Spartan Bookstore for exclusive SJSU Alumni merchandise. Don't forget Alumni Association members get a 10% discount. A coupon code will be listed on your membership card. Use this code during your online checkout to obtain your discount. When inside the store, please present your card to the cashier.Does my Alumni Association membership give me access to the Career Center?
Visit the Career Resources page for more information.How do I receive a duplicate copy of my diploma?
Review the Registrar's Office diploma information page.Return to top of page. For any other questions, try reading the respective page on this Commencement website first, then use the Grad Sammy chat bot.