Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement 2024 will take place on Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19, 2024. You can view the full schedule of events here. 

The University Commencement Ceremony is the university wide celebration of all graduates. Students from all the schools and colleges come together to celebrate as an entire graduating class. There will be a keynote speaker, students will turn their tassels, and everyone is invited to a celebratory toast afterwards in the Aitken Arts Plaza. Guest tickets are required for the University Commencement Ceremony. Students can reserve their guest tickets between February 27 and May 3. 

Degree Ceremonies are specific to each school and college. Students will have their names called and walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover at their Degree Ceremony. 

As of May 10, tickets are required for the Degree Ceremonies.  Tickets for degree ceremonies may be reserved by either the graduating student or their guests. Please use this link to reserve your tickets. 

All graduates in attendance will have their name called as they walk across the stage during their Degree Ceremony.

The estimated duration of each ceremony can be found on the Commencement schedule on the homepage.

Yes. If you have completed the necessary requirements, you will receive your diploma in the mail in summer of 2024.

All ceremonies will take place on Wilson Field.

Graduates will be emailed a link to their personal gallery of photo proofs after Commencement. 

If you are attending multiple degree ceremonies, you will receive a separate link for each ceremony.

Register with our photographer in advance to get your photos as quick as possible! 

Guest tickets are required for the University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17. Students can reserve up to (6) guest tickets.

There is no limit to how many guests you may invite to your Degree Ceremony. As of May 10, tickets are required for the Degree Ceremonies. Tickets for degree ceremonies may be reserved by either the graduating student or their guests. Please use this link to reserve your tickets.   

In case you have guests who cannot attend in person, Chapman provides a livestream of the ceremony that can be viewed at several locations on or off campus.

Guest tickets are required for the University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17. Students can reserve their guest tickets through Chapman Ticketing beginning on February 27.

As of May 10, tickets are also required for Degree Ceremonies. Tickets for degree ceremonies may be reserved by either the graduating student or their guests. Please use this link to reserve your tickets. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

To request an accommodation, or for inquiries about accessibility, please email commencement@chapman.edu, or call 714-997-6740.

Regalia will be available for purchase beginning at Graduation Fair on February 27 & 28 in Argyros Forum 209 ABC, or April 4 at the Rinker Campus. 

Students who do not purchase their cap and gown at Graduation Fair can purchase online or in-person at the Agora Gift Shop in Argyros Forum beginning in March. 

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

Our team of experts will be at Graduation Fair to help you select everything you need for Commencement! 

Graduates are required to wear a gown, cap, and tassel. Masters and Doctoral students will also need to wear the appropriate hood for their major.

Stoles are optional and can be purchased at Graduation Fair, or at the Agora Gift Shop. 

Click here to view regalia options and pricing.

Undergraduate Seniors who are candidates for “Latin Honors at Commencement” have a 3.50 overall GPA (comprised of two components, a 3.5 Chapman GPA AND a 3.5 cumulative GPA including transfer work), have accumulated 54 Chapman-in-residence units taken for a letter grade and have applied for graduation. These students are eligible to purchase a university Honors Cord. One cord signifies all levels of honors.

Order Here: Honor Cords

Yes! Students are welcome to personalize their cap as long as the message and/or images are appropriate.

All Chapman hoods have red and white lining, showcasing the colors of the school from which the degree was received. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the subject of degree.

View Chapman Hood Colors

Yes! You can donate your cap, gown, tassel and/or stole to the Office of Sustainability as part of the Regalia Reuse Program. 

Help a future graduate and the environment! 

Drop off locations to come. 

Any individual who engages in activity that infringes on the ability of a university event to function will be asked to leave the ceremony. This is a moment of joy and achievement for graduating students and their families.

The Commencement venue will have crowd control measures in place to prevent activity directly outside the venue that could be disruptive to the event.

The University Commencement Ceremony and all school and college degree ceremonies are now ticketed. Students and their guests may reserve tickets here. There will be an increased security presence, including security on stage. All bags are subject to inspection. The Orange Police Department is on standby if additional security is warranted.

Chapman is unequivocal in its support of free speech, even though some or many may find the content of that speech offensive or distasteful. Any activity that infringes on the ability of a university event to function will be asked to leave campus.