Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Who is eligible to participate?

Commencement is for Cañada College students who have completed their course work for an A.A., A.S. Degree or Certificate during Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. You must have completed the petition for graduation. If you are not sure about the status of your petition visit the Admission and Records office.

RSVP and Tickets

Do graduates need to RSVP to participate in Commencement?

Yes, students who plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony need to submit their electronic RSVP form.

Are tickets required to attend Commencement?

Tickets are not required.

Graduation Regalia and Sashes

How do I know if I qualify to rent or purchase sashes?

Sashes are based on GPA. If you have a 3.30 and above you qualify to rent or purchase the sashes. You can check your GPA in WebSmart under Student Services/Student Record/Request Unofficial Transcript. Your transcript will then be emailed with your GPA.

Where can I buy my cap, gown, and tassel and how much will it cost?

Beginning the second week in May, graduates can purchase the complete academic attire and tassel in the Bookstore. The estimated cost is $50 plus tax. Announcements will also be available for sale. If you are in EOPS, the program will purchase your regalia. Visit the EOPS office for more information.

When and where can I buy or rent my sash for Cañada College Academic Honors?

Students receiving academic honors can purchase or rent their sash at the Bookstore. There will be a list showing which students are eligible for honors and high honors.

When and where can I order my Phi Theta Kappa honors sash, tassel, and cords?

Students can visit the Phi Theta Kappa website to order their honors regalia anytime. Students are encouraged to order them early. These items will NOT be available in the Bookstore and will NOT be purchased for members by the chapter.

When and where can I pick up my extra-curricular sash (For example TRIO, EOPS, ASCC)?

Check in with the program director.

What if I cannot afford regalia?

If the cost of regalia is a hardship for you, please contact the Office of the President, 650-306-3239 or [email protected] to explore options.

Parking

Where can guests park on the day of the Commencement?

Parking will be available in all student lots. Parking is free.

Commencement Photographer

Will there be a photographer?

Yes! A professional photographer will be onsite to take pictures during commencement. Each graduate will be photographed while receiving their diploma/certificate. Graduates are not required to purchase these photos. They are optional. The company is called Grad Images.

Diplomas/Certificates

When are diplomas mailed out to graduates?

For Graduates, diplomas are mailed out late August and for Summer Graduates, diplomas are mailed out late September (exact date tbd.) All graduates, even if you do not participate in the ceremony will receive your diplomas in the mail. If your address changes before then or if you have other questions regarding your diploma, please call the Admissions and Records Office at (650) 306-3122, contact them by using the contact form available on their website.