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apu's president speaking during commencement ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Commencement Team

Email: commencement@apu.edu

Regalia

Email: capandgown@apu.edu
Phone: (626) 815-5044

Graduation Requirements

Email: ssc@apu.edu
Phone: (626) 815-2020

General Information 

The ceremonies will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Felix Event Center. The undergraduate ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m., and the graduate ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m. Doors will open one hour before each ceremony for guests. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. View the Commencement Map of Felix Event Center.
Capacity restrictions allow graduates to have only a certain amount of guest tickets for Felix Event Center. Undergraduates will receive 9 guest tickets and Graduates will receive 6 guest tickets. Each graduate will receive 2 parking passes.
Students will be notified of the online reservation in future emails. Students must have academic and financial clearance. In addition, traditional undergraduate students need service credits clearance by November 22 to acquire guest tickets. Tickets will be available Monday, December 2.
Infants under two years of age do not require a ticket.
Yes, for those who cannot join us in Azusa, all in-person activities will be broadcast online, live, and on-demand for future viewing. Visit apu.edu/live on the day of the ceremony for the livestream of the event.
We will have a satellite location on campus for those who want to attend in person but do not have a ticket for inside Felix Event Center. Guests are welcome to watch the commencement ceremonies live inside the Warehouse Theater, located in the Duke Academic Complex.
An average ceremony is approximately two hours long—the actual time varies depending on the number of graduates who choose to participate. In order to preserve the dignity of the program and honor all of our graduates, we do not allow graduates to leave the floor before the ceremony is over. All graduates choosing to participate in our ceremonies will remain for the duration of the event.
No, graduates do not need to attend to have their degree conferred.
To participate in commencement, you must have academic and financial clearance. In addition, traditional undergraduate students must also have service credits clearance. The Office of the Registrar will email students who have submitted a Graduation Application their graduation clearance status. For more information, email ssc@apu.edu.
The graduation fee is not refundable and is required for all graduates. It is not a fee for participating in a commencement ceremony or for regalia, but instead covers expenses related to the costs of the diploma, the diploma case, mailings, and other costs associated with degree completion.

Directions and Parking

The Felix Event Center is located on APU’s West Campus, at 701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702. View directions on the APU website.

General parking will be in Lot H on APU West Campus. Students will receive two guest parking passes. View Commencement Map of Felix Event Center.

Handicapped parking is available in Lot G, adjacent to Felix Event Center. Handicapped seating areas will be available in Felix Event Center. The ADA special accommodations entrance is located on the southwest side of Felix Event Center.

Regalia

Yes. Regalia is available for purchase through the APU Herff Jones website. Once ordered, the regalia will be mailed to you.

Yes. Personal décor on Azusa Pacific University-approved caps (mortarboards) is allowed within the parameters listed below, and also review all of the commencement guidelines and policies for more information.

  • Caps must not contain any offensive language or create the perception that offensive language is being used.
  • Décor must not hang over any part of the board.
  • Décor must not dangle down from the top of the mortarboard and/or obstruct the person’s head or face, the view of the person wearing it, or the view of others in any way.
  • Cap décor must not contain any political figures or political language promoting a personal opinion on political issues.
  • Undergraduate students are to wear their tassel on the right side.
You may purchase graduation and alumni items at APU’s Campus Store. If you have any questions related to regalia or other graduation merchandise, email capandgown@apu.edu.
Contact the department of your major directly.

Pick up your Latin Honors medal at check-in the day of your ceremony.

Qualifying undergraduate students may graduate with the following honors: summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude. The minimum GPA requirements for Latin Honors are as follows:

  • 3.90 – Summa Cum Laude
  • 3.80 – Magna Cum Laude
  • 3.70 – Cum Laude

All grades accepted toward graduation at Azusa Pacific University are included in the calculation of these honors, including correspondence and transfer courses. All grades not accepted toward graduation at Azusa Pacific University (such as remedial courses) are not included in the calculation.

The university has partnered with Grad Images to provide our graduates with a safe and easy option for graduation photos while they receive their diploma case on stage. Graduates have the option to purchase additional photos if they choose. East and West campuses will be open and available for taking pictures on your commencement day.
Professional photos will be taken of you on stage by Grad Images. They will contact you after graduation to review your photos and pricing for ordering.
We partner with The Commencement Group to provide flowers and leis at commencement. Preorder flowers and leis today for easy pickup at the ceremony.

Diplomas and Program 

If all financial obligations to the university are met, your diploma will be sent to you, at the address listed on your Graduation Application, within 3-6 months of your degree posting. If your address changes, notify your Academic Records Specialist as soon as possible. Students can email ssc@apu.edu with questions.
If you have worked with the registrar to confirm that your requirements are complete, you will be listed in the program.
The printed commencement program will be handed out to students at the ceremonies. A PDF version will be available online.

Degree and Transcripts

Your degree will be posted within 4-6 weeks of commencement if you have completed all degree requirements and university obligations.
Complete the appropriate online transcript request form to order an official transcript. Be sure to review the transcript fees and policies to ensure that your transcript order arrives within your desired time frame.

Other Questions and Information 

All graduating families are invited to join in on the fun. Celebrate the graduating class of 2024 by using #APUGrad on social media.
Azusa Pacific University is committed to creating an inclusive environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body and guests. There is ADA parking and seating available. If you have a disability and require a disability-related accommodation, contact Heather Snyder at commencement@apu.edu two weeks prior to the event to inquire about accommodation.
No. These items are prohibited in the Felix Event Center.
Service dogs for guests with disabilities are allowed. All other animals are prohibited.
Strollers are prohibited in the Felix Event Center.
Yes, there will be a variety of concessions available for purchase.
For commencement-related questions, contact commencement@apu.edu. For questions regarding academic clearance or related matters, students can email ssc@apu.edu. If you have any questions related to regalia or other graduation merchandise, email capandgown@apu.edu. If you have ticket-related questions, email eventservices@apu.edu.

Note: Participation in a commencement ceremony does not necessarily indicate completion of a degree program. Students must meet ALL university requirements before a degree is conferred. If you have more questions, email commencement@apu.edu.