For Students
How do I submit my Graduation Application?
Please complete the Intent to Participate form located on the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation Information page. This form must be completed by April 3, 2023.
Can I participate in the 2023 Commencement if I am short units?
Please see the 2023 Commencement Petition Policy (PDF) for detailed information on participation requirements.
Can I participate in the 2023 Commencement ceremony if I participated in the 2022 ceremony, according to the exception policy?
The Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) policy specifies that students may only participate in one Commencement ceremony.
Can a student choose the name that is on a printed diploma?
Diplomas are printed with the legal name on file. Students have the opportunity to request their preferred/chosen name to be printed on the diploma instead when they complete the Intent to Participate form. If students elect to use a preferred/chosen name, the information should match what is on file with the Office of the Registrar. For questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
How will I find out if I received honors in my major?
Check with your major advisor to confirm if you will be receiving honors. Honors cords will be distributed during Commencement rehearsal on Friday, May 12.
How do I order my regalia?
The deadline to submit your regalia order is March 15. You can order your regalia here: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/
How do I order Commencement announcements?
Announcements may be ordered directly from CB Graduation Announcements at this website: https://www.cbgrad.com/
How do I submit an audio recording of my name pronunciation?
Voice recordings and phonetic spellings can be captured through the student portal, under the “Student” tab. The Office of the Registrar collects this information to help ensure that names are pronounced correctly during the Commencement ceremony. The Office of the Registrar will send out more detailed instructions in the upcoming weeks.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
Diplomas for Spring 2023 graduates who have completed all requirements will be issued during the Commencement ceremony. Diplomas for those not walking will be mailed to the permanent address on file. To update your permanent address, please complete the Student Contact Information (PDF) form.
What do I do if I (the graduate) need special accommodation?
Please contact Associate Dean/Director of Academic Support Services, Gabriella Tempestoso at [email protected].
Will there be a Commencement rehearsal?
Yes, there is a mandatory Commencement rehearsal for seniors walking in the Commencement ceremony. Rehearsal takes place in Benson Auditorium, Friday, May 12, 1–3 p.m.
Where and when do candidates line up at Commencement?
Students should arrive at Benson Auditorium at 8 a.m. sharp.
Is there a professional photographer at the ceremony?
GradImages photography service will capture each graduate receiving their diploma and standing with their diploma. An additional photographer will also be roaming around documenting the event.
Where do I return my regalia?
Students are to return their regalia to Benson Auditorium. You keep your tassel and honor cords but return your velvet stole, cap, and gown.
For Guests
How long is the ceremony?
Our ceremony typically lasts 2–2.5 hours.
When and where is the ceremony?
The ceremony will be located outside on the Stephen L. Glass Commencement Plaza on Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 a.m. Seating starts at 8 a.m. and is first-come, first-served.
Are there any Covid-19 guidelines or recommendations for Commencement?
Guests are strongly encouraged to complete either a rapid antigen test within 24 hours prior to Commencement or a PCR test within 48–72 hours prior to the event. While masking will not be required, masks will be available for any guest who chooses to wear a mask. Guests who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or who are positive for Covid-19 should stay home and watch the ceremony via live streaming.
Are there guest limitations or restrictions for attendance?
There are no limits or restrictions for attendance.
Are tickets required for guest participation?
Tickets are not required.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed. The stream can be accessed at the Commencement Website.
Will food be available for purchase?
The Pit-Stop Café will be open from 8 a.m. to Noon to purchase drinks, pastries, and hot breakfast sandwiches and burritos. We only accept credit card and Claremont Cash. The Pit-Stop is located at Bernard Hall.
Pit-Stop location: https://myatlascms.com/map/?id=564&mrkIid=54809
Are there hotel lodging recommendations?
Yes, please visit this link for a list of nearby hotels: https://www.pitzer.edu/commencement/hotel-accommodations/
What accessibility options are available to attendees?
Guests who require ADA assistance getting to the Commencement tent can be dropped off at the Sanborn parking lot to receive support. Map: https://myatlascms.com/map/?id=564&mrkIid=54732
Guests who may be affected by potential heat at the event can also view the ceremony via live stream in Fletcher Hall rooms 110 and 112. Fletcher Hall is directly north of the ceremony location.
Where can I park for the ceremony?
Parking is available at East Mesa, Sanborn, and Holden parking lots. Guests can also park on Claremont Boulevard and Mills Avenue.
Please see this quick reference map for locations of these parking lots and streets.
Where can I find gifts for a graduate?
The Pitzer Store will sell merchandise at the apron in front of McConnell Center before and after the ceremony. Hours: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cash.
Avoid the crowds and order ahead! Direct shipping available anywhere in the U.S. Or, order by May 1 and pick up your order at the ceremony. Visit pitzer.edu/store for additional details.
What items are not allowed at the ceremony?
Noisemakers, poppers, posters, balloons, cameras on tripods are not allowed for the safety of all our attendees.
Will there be events for families and guests to attend before and after the ceremony?
Yes, please see the schedule of events on the Commencement Week Schedule.
