In the interest of maximizing our graduates’ time with their families, Cuesta’s 59th Commencement Ceremony will be a non-traditional Graduate Walk Ceremony.

Come celebrate your accomplishments:

  • Graduates receiving associate degree (AA, AS, AAT, AST) in Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and/or Summer 2024
  • Certificate recipients (CA, CS, CC, CP, Including ESL and GED) in Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and/or Summer 2024
  • Walk across the stage
  • Take a graduation photo
  • The Commencement Ceremony will be held in 30-minute increments

Grad Walk Ceremony Reservations: CLOSED on 5/10 at 5:00pm.

  • Reservations for graduates are required. Those without a reservation will not be admitted to the Grad Walk.
  • Reservations are not required for guests and family members, only for graduates.
  • In order to accommodate all participants, graduates may sign-up for ONE 30-minute available time slot.
  • Graduates may not reserve more than one Grad Walk time slot.
  • Please note there is limited availability in each time slot.
  • Grad Walk reservations will be available beginning March 4th, 2024.
  • Reservations will be accepted until 5:00pm on May 10th. No reservations will be accepted after this date.
  • Due to space and capacity restrictions, reservations will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.
  • Guest seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you or your guests require any ADA accommodations, please contact us at grad@cuesta.edu a minimum of five business days prior to the event.

Class of 2024! What to Expect:

  • Graduates are to be dropped off in Parking Lot 2 in front of the cafeteria, building 5100.
  • Graduates please arrive at least fifteen minutes before your time-slot to check-in at the SLO Campus. Check-in will be outside of building 5100.
  • Guest parking will be available in Parking Lot 5, and first-come, first-serve seating will be available at the Flagpole Quad commencement site.
  • The commencement will start promptly at the start of each reservation time. Graduates will walk in a procession led by Cuesta Faculty or Administration staff to the Flagpole Quad. Graduate names will be called as they walk across the stage and graduates will be presented with a diploma cover by Superintendent/President, Dr. Jill Stearns.
  • Graduates and their families are encouraged to proceed to the photo area at the Stork Gymnasium Patio as soon as the graduate has exited the stage for additional photo opportunities.
  • The Commencement Ceremony will also be available to view on live-stream.

    Commencement 2023 Map
    Commencement Map (PDF)

CHECKLIST TIMELINE

March 4, 2024: RSVP Invitation available
Check myCuesta student email for Commencement invitation and link to RSVP electronically. You may also RSVP through Cuesta Connect. All RSVPs must be completed by May 10.

April 5, 2024:  Submit a Degree Application
Have you submitted a Degree Application?  April 5 is the deadline to turn in the degree application for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 to ensure your name and honors will be printed in the Commencement Program.  

Regalia available now online and in store beginning late March, 2024: 
Cuesta College Barnes and Noble Bookstore has caps, gowns, tassel sets, class rings and diploma frames available for purchase online or in store. Regalia is required for this event.

  • Due to slower than normal processing time, if you choose to order online, put in your order no later than April 17, 2024.
  • Scholastic Honors Cords:
    • Students earning scholastic honors will be notified through myCuesta student email after April 12, 2024, information will include when and where to pick it up.
    • Scholastic Honors Cord: 
      Green Cord = 3.5 to 3.74 Cuesta GPA 
      White Cord = 3.75 to 4.0 Cuesta GPA 
      Gold Cord = AGS (Alpha Gamma Sigma) Honor Society

April 10, 2024: SLO and NC Bookstore will have regalia in stock to try on and purchase.

April 16, 2024: Class of 2024 Grad Fair NC Campus - 11:00am-1:00pm

  • Located in Room N1022 - Cafeteria
  • Pick up your regalia and decorate your cap!
  • Student Services staff will be available to answer questions

April 17, 2024: Class of 2024 Grad Fair SLO Campus - 11:00am-1:00pm

  • Located in the 5400 Interior Courtyard - near the Bookstore
  • Pick up your regalia and decorate your cap!
  • Student Services staff will be available to answer questions

May 10, 2024: 5:00pm deadline to RSVP to attend Ceremony.

  • Deadline to request ADA Accommodations for graduates or guests.  Contact grad@cuesta.edu to request accommodations.

Cuesta College Alumni Legacy Program

Take this opportunity to be a part of the Walkway of Friends in Cougar Park and purchase an engraved brick in your name or the name of someone special to you. The Walkway of Friends honors Cuesta College alumni, friends, businesses, family, and community members. Donation = $200 per brick:  Brick Order Form

Alumni Legacy Contact Information:

Mail to: Cuesta College Foundation, PO Box 8106, San Luis Obispo CA 93403-8106.
Fax to: (805) 546-3959
Phone:  (805) 592-9279
Email: jessica_strano@cuesta.edu

Cuesta College Alumni

All former students who have graduated, received a certificate, or transferred from Cuesta College are considered alumni. We encourage you to stay connected by attending events, engaging through social media, or emailing us about what you have accomplished since you left Cuesta. Join the Alumni Association