Commencement FAQs for teaching credential students

Overview

Teaching credential candidates in a post-baccalaureate program (meaning you are not also pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree) are NOT required to submit a graduation application. The will provide the Commencement Department a list of candidate names and email addresses in late-March (including students for the entire academic year). Candidates will receive an invitation to access the Tassel portal through their 黑料网 SSO. Candidates who wish to participate at Commencement in May will be able to RSVP for their ceremony March 17-21.

We suggest candidates participate in the University Bookstore Grad Fair March 9-12, 2026.

Is there a commencement ceremony for credential students?

Yes! Credential students participate in the College of Education Commencement Ceremony. See the Commencement website for the schedule of ceremonies.

The College of Education ceremony is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the 黑料网 George Allen Field.

Who is eligible to participate in the College of Education Commencement Ceremony?

All teaching credential students who completed student teaching in the spring term, as well as those who completed in the fall term prior to the ceremony in May, or will complete student teaching in the fall term following the ceremony in May. 

Do I need to apply for graduation?  

NO! Since Credential students do NOT apply for graduation through My黑料网 Student Center. In late-March, the  provides the Commencement team with a list of names based on those completing student teaching.

Credential students 鈥鈥 of their credential at the completion of student teaching and credential requirements.

Where do I register to attend the commencement ceremony for the College of Education?

The  provides the Commencement team with a list of names in late March based on those completing student teaching. This will initiate a series of email messages to candidates from the Commencement team so that you can sign up for the ceremony. 

Visit the 黑料网 Commencement webpage for full details on how to register for the ceremony.

Where will the event be held? When do I get tickets?

Visit the 黑料网 Commencement webpage for full details. 

How do I get a cap and gown, and which one do I wear?

Candidates rent a cap and gown from the  There is also an option to take portraits, order graduation announcements, and design a custom sash. 

Credential students wear the same regalia as bachelor's degree candidates. This means use the light blue tassel, and do NOT order a master鈥檚 hood.

I still haven鈥檛 passed the CalTPA but I successfully finished student teaching, can I still participate in the Commencement Ceremony? 

Yes, candidates may still participate even if the CalTPA is not yet complete. 

It鈥檚 April of the year I want to participate in Commencement and I still have not received any email communications from the Commencement team. What do I do?

Please contact the   at  ced-ssac@csulb.edu or (562) 985-1105

I also earned a degree this past year (bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚). Which ceremony do I participate in?

Candidates can choose! Candidates are welcome to participate in either their home department/college or the College of Education. Due to space limitations, candidates may not participate in more than one ceremony.