Commencement 2023

Join Chapman parents, students and alumni as we celebrate the class of 2023 on May 19 - 21, 2023

Stream the Ceremonies

Congratulations to the class of 2023 at Chapman University!

Re-watch each ceremony on the playlist above or find individual streams by clicking on the school or college below.

Commencement Schedule

May 19 – 21, 2023

Friday, May 19

Time Event Duration
10 a.m. Fowler School of Law Degree Ceremony 90 minutes
12:30 p.m. School of Pharmacy Degree Ceremony 90 minutes
7 p.m. University Commencement Ceremony 75 minutes
8:45 p.m. President’s Toast 45 minutes

Saturday, May 20

Time Event Duration
8 a.m. Argyros School of Business and Economics Degree Ceremony 150 minutes
11:30 a.m. Fowler School of Engineering Degree Ceremony 50 minutes
3 p.m. Schmid College Degree Ceremony 60 minutes
5 p.m. School of Communication Degree Ceremony 75 minutes
7:30 p.m. Dodge College Degree Ceremony 135 minutes

Sunday, May 21

Time Event Duration
8 a.m. Crean College 105 minutes
11:30 a.m. Wilkinson College Degree Ceremony 90 minutes
3 p.m. College of Performing Arts Degree Ceremony 60 minutes
5 p.m. Attallah College 75 minutes

Interfaith Baccalaureate Service

This year’s Baccalaureate service will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 7 p.m. in the Ray and Pauline Wallace All Faiths Chapel.

Graduating students are all invited, along with their families and Chapman students, faculty and staff.

For questions regarding the Baccalaureate service please contact the staff at the Fish Interfaith Center.

 

How to participate in a Commencement Ceremony

Step 1: Apply for Degree Conferral

Preferred deadline to apply for degree conferral for May 2023 Commencement is January 15, 2023

Undergraduate Students

  • Bachelor’s Degree completed and conferred: Have met all degree requirements prior to the 2023 spring semester and have been conferred in August 2022 or January 2023.
  • Bachelor’s Degree yet to be completed: Students who are of senior standing and have completed 90 credits or more may participate in the May 2023 Commencement Ceremonies. An application for degree conferral must be on file no later than April 15, 2023. Petitions for exceptions to this policy will not be accepted.

Graduate Students

  • Master’s or Doctoral Degree completed and conferred: Have met all degree requirements prior to the 2023 spring semester and have been conferred in August 2022 or January 2023.
  • Master’s or Doctoral Degree to be completed in May 2023: Have filed an application for degree conferral for May 2023 by the preferred application deadline of January 14, 2023 and have completed or are pending completion of all degree requirements by the end of the 2023 spring semester. Graduate students must pass any required comprehensive examinations in the 2023 spring semester.
  • Walk Short of Completion of Credits: Have applied for degree conferral with an August 2023 conferral date, and by the end of the spring semester have only the degree requirements remaining.

Questions regarding degree conferral? Please contact the Office of the Registrar at conferral@chapman.edu.

Step 2: RSVP for a Ceremony

Eligible Graduates will be sent a link to their Chapman student email account to RSVP for an assigned ceremony based on their major. RSVPs open on March 1 and must be submitted by April 15. 

Step 3: Order Cap & Gown

Regalia is available for purchase through the Agora Gift Shop in Argyros Forum.

Online orders will be available for pickup at the Commencement Fair on April 6 & 7, 2023.  Orders can also be purchased in person at this time.

For questions about regalia, please contact: (714) 997-6718

*Pharmacy and Law Students – check with your department for regalia instructions

Step 4: Print your Commencement GradPass

You will need your Commencement GradPass in order to participate in a degree ceremony.

GradPasses will be emailed to students to their chapman email accounts.

If you have trouble accessing your GradPass please contact the Office of the Registrar at conferral@chapman.edu.

Step 5: Arrive 45 Minutes Before your Ceremony Start Time

Student Lineup will take place in Hutton Gym. Students must arrive in their regalia 45 minutes before their ceremony start time to line up.

Commencement Resources

Regalia, Honor Cords, Stoles, Announcements and more can be found here.

Families and Guests

We hope you are able to join your graduate as they celebrate this momentous occasion in their academic career. Below you will find some information and resources to help you get the most out of this very special occasion.

Faculty

Commencement is fast approaching and we look forward to your participation in this very special weekend for the Chapman community, graduating students, their families, and friends. Please take a moment to review important faculty instructions regarding the weekend’s festivities.

Student Shout Outs

Graduates – now’s your time to thank your family, friends, or your favorite professor! Submit a shout out video recognizing anyone who contributed to your Chapman experience.

Show your love for #ChapmanU

Share your Chapman memories and shout-outs using #ChapmanU

Keep Connected

The Chapman University Alumni Association is dedicated to keeping you connected to your alma mater for upcoming alumni events, career opportunities and more!

Class of 2023 Resources

View the many lifelong resources and services available to Chapman University alumni. Explore post-grad job opportunities at Chapman’s Career Fairs! Find more recruiting, networking, and professional events with employers on our Handshake career event feed.