Graduation
Graduation Versus Commencement
Graduation, which is the awarding of a degree, should not be confused with participation in commencement. Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates your accomplishment and completion of a degree, however, participating in the ceremony does not mean you have earned your degree.
Two Different Things - Two Different Processes!
To participate in the fall or spring commencement ceremony, you must Apply for Graduation (instructions below) AND Register for Commencement. Please visit the Commencement website for details about participating in commencement.
Apply for graduation
When to apply (bachelor's degree)
We recommend you apply three semesters before you expect to complete all your degree requirements. For most students, this will be early in their junior year. Your on-time application will ensure that you receive your degree check in time to plan your final semesters at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for graduation after you have:
- Earned 60 units toward your bachelor’s degree
- Declared your major (and minor if applicable)
Deadlines
| Expected Graduation | On-Time Application Deadline | Student Center Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | September 5, 2022 | September 4, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | January 30, 2023 | January 29, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | September 4, 2023 | September 9, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | January 29, 2024 | February 3, 2025 |
After the on-time application deadline, a late fee will be added to the graduation fee. You can find information about current student fee rates at Tuition & Fees.
After the Student Center application deadline, a late fee will be added to the graduation fee and you will need to use the Late Application for Graduation web-form.
If you do not apply to graduate after earning 90 units, a hold will be placed on future registration until an Application for Graduation is received.
Prepare to apply (bachelor's degree)
The steps below also apply to a bachelor's degree with a second major/concentration (double major). If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are pursuing a second bachelor's degree, see the Second Bachelor's Degree webpage for instructions and forms.)
Step 1. Run your degree audit. Review your audit to verify which requirements are met and which are still needed.
Step 2. Plan your remaining semesters. This step will help you estimate when you will finish all degree requirements.
Step 3. Review your degree requirements with your major advisor (and minor advisor if applicable).
Apply for graduation in Student Center (bachelor's degree)
Step 4. Login to myHumboldt and view Student Center. Step by step instructions with screenshots are available on the Student Center Help site.
Step 5. Select Apply for Graduation from the other academic…. drop-down and click the double arrows.
Step 6. Click on Apply for Graduation
Step 7. Select your Expected Graduation Term and click Continue (Tip: Use your DARS plan to estimate when you will finish all your degree requirements)
Step 8. Verify your information and click Submit Application
Term Missing in Student Center: If you need to apply for graduation in the current semester and the term is no longer available in Student Center, use the Late Application for graduation e-form.
Step 9. Review grades on your unofficial transcript. Verify all appropriate grade changes, GPA adjustments, and petitions have been filed and processed.
After your degree is is awarded, the academic record (i.e. the transcript) is final and no further changes, additions, adjustments, or amendments will be considered other than corrections of data-entry errors.
What happens next?
The graduation processing fee will be posted to your student account.
Your graduation counselor will email your degree check to your Humboldt email. If you have any questions, talk to your advisor or contact the Office of the Registrar.
After grades are final, your graduation counselor will review your degree requirements. If all degree requirements are satisfied, your degree is posted to your record. See Processing - Diplomas & Transcripts for more information.
If any requirements remain unsatisfied, you will receive a Notice of Graduation Deficiency from your graduation counselor via your Humboldt email. It is your responsibility to check your Humboldt email for official university communications.
When to apply (master’s degree)
We recommend that you apply for graduation by the second week of classes at least one semester before finishing all degree requirements so you will receive your degree check in time to plan your final semester of enrollment. See Graduate Studies for application and instructions.
Deadlines
| Expected Graduation Term | On-Time Application Deadline (late fee after this date) |
|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | September 5, 2022 |
| Summer 2023 | January 30, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | January 30, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | September 4, 2023 |
Change your graduation date
Complete a Graduation Date Change Request eForm to postpone your graduation date.
There is no cost to change your graduation unless you wait until after the graduation date on file is passed. Once that date has passed there is a $25 late graduation date change fee.
Please note that you will not be able to enroll in classes for the semester following the expected graduation date without first reapplying to the university or postponing your expected date of graduation.
Disclosure of Student Information
We take your privacy seriously. Read more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).