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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Students

What is the difference between Commencement and Graduation?

Commencement
Ceremony Celebration event at the end of the spring semester (May) for fall graduates who were awarded a degree or certificate of achievement, as well as spring and summer candidates who are expected to complete their degree / certificate requirements.

Graduation
Graduation is the process of completing a program of study and submitting a Graduation Petition with the Admissions and Records Office. The process for graduation takes place over the course of an entire semester. During this time the Admissions and Records Office is verifying that you are completing your final classes towards your program, that you don’t have any deficiencies, and will be completing all your required classes by the end of the semester. Once the semester is over, Admissions and Records Office certifies that you have completed all requirements and posts your degree or certificate to your transcript. Your diploma is then mailed to the address you listed on your Graduation Petition.

When will I receive my invitation to the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
The invitation will be sent out via email in March. Be sure to complete your graduation petition before the February 25ᵗʰ, 2025 deadline. You can find the link to the graduation petition on the graduate page.
What is the deadline for graduates to RSVP to participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
The deadline to RSVP for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony is Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Please note that due to printing and production needs, students who RSVP after the deadline are not guaranteed to have their name included in the program.

Please note: There are no tickets for this event and space is limited. The College reserves the right to close registration before the deadline, so please RSVP as soon as possible.
Am I required to participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
No, you are not required to participate in the ceremony – but we encourage you to celebrate your achievements! Your degree will still be mailed to you regardless of participation, if eligible.
If I do not RSVP, am I included in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
No, you must RSVP before Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m to be included in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. If you submitted a graduation petition and indicated you wanted your name included in the commencement program, your name will be listed.
Will the 2025 Commencement Ceremony be live-streamed?
Yes! The commencement ceremony will be live-streamed. A link to the live-stream will be made available on the MiraCosta website.
How do I invite my friends and family to join the live-streamed graduation? Is there a limit?
Since we are hosting a hybrid commencement ceremony, our capacity is unlimited! We encourage you to share information about the live-streamed and in-person ceremony with your family.
Where do I purchase my cap & gown?

Caps, gowns and tassels are required for all graduates participating in the commencement ceremony. All graduates (adult high school, associate’s, and bachelor’s) will wear the same cap, gown, and tassel. Graduation regalia is exclusively available for online ordering through Herff Jones. Starting Thursday, April 17, graduation regalia will also be available in-store at the MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus Bookstore.The cost of a basic set (cap, gown, and tassel) is $52.00 + tax. If assistance is needed for this purchase, please contact the bookstore at 760.795.6630 during business hours or email miracosta@bkstr.com. Click here to check the Oceanside Campus bookstore hours.

Can I pre-order flower bouquets and leis?
Yes! You are strongly encouraged to use the online pre-order service to order flower bouquets and leis. All online orders will be available for pickup on site the day of Commencement.
Can I order custom stoles to wear for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
Yes, elevate your graduation experience and celebrate your success by designing your own graduation stole! The last day to order a custom stole before Commencement is Saturday, April 19th, 2025. Orders may be placed via the Collegewear, Inc. website.
How do I receive honors cords? Are my honors included in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony program?
In the commencement program, students with a 4.0 GPA, President’s Permanent Honor Roll recipients, and those on the President’s List are recognized for their distinguished awards. For specific questions regarding honors related to Phi Theta Kappa or the Honors Scholar Program, please contact your program directly.
How and when will I receive my degree?
Your degree will be mailed to the address on your Graduation Petition two months after the end of the semester. Should you need to update your mailing address, please email evaluations@miracosta.edu.
How do I get my diploma cover?
Graduates will receive their diploma covers at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
What should I do if I cannot access the RSVP Link?
Should you have trouble accessing the RSVP link, please try using a different web browser. We suggest using Google Chrome.
I am a graduate / guest who wants an accommodation for a disability. What should I do?
If you are a graduate, you can request an accommodation for yourself or for your guest based on your disability. The request can be submitted on the RSVP form you'll receive via email. Your request must be submitted online no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. in order to ensure accommodations can be properly made.

Guests

Who can come to Commencement?

Commencement is an open event. No ticket is required to attend, but please note, space is limited and availability is on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

Is there a limit on how many family members can attend Commencement?

There is no limit on how many family members or friends can attend, but please note, space is limited and availability is on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

Commencement Map

Faculty and Staff

Can Faculty and staff participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?
Faculty and staff are welcomed and encouraged to attend! You will receive an email with detailed information. If you have further specific questions, please email graduation@miracosta.edu.