Commencement

In the interest of maximizing our graduates’ time with their families, Cuesta’s 60th Commencement Ceremony will be a non-traditional Graduate Walk.

• Walk across the stage, receive your diploma cover, and have your tassel moved by a member of Cuesta's Board of Trustees
• Take a graduation photo
• The Commencement Ceremony will be held in 30-minute increments
• Watch the 60th Commencement Ceremony Livestream.

• Graduates receiving associate degree (AA, AS, AAT, AST) in Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and/or Summer 2025
• Certificate recipients (CA, CS, CC, CP, Including ESL and GED) in Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and/or Summer 2025

• 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 3/13/25 - See March 13 Registration Available in the Timeline Below for Registration Links
• Reservations will be accepted until 5:00pm on Friday, May 16. 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.

• Graduates drop off is in Parking Lot 2 in front of the cafeteria, building 5100.
• Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your time-slot to check-in at the SLO Campus. Check-in will be outside of building 5100 (the cafeteria).
• Guest parking will be available in Parking Lot 5, and first-come, first-served seating will be available at the Flagpole Quad commencement site.
• The Grad Walk 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 Map

Regalia available online starting 2/3/25 and in store beginning 4/23/25: 
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 22, 2025
  
• Scholastic Honors Cords: Students earning scholastic honors will be notified through myCuesta student email after (DATE TBD), information will include when and where to pick up your cord.
  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

Registration is closed as of 5:00pm, Friday, May 16. Contact grad@cuesta.edu if you missed the registration deadline.

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 5:00pm, Friday, May 16.

• Registration Guide

Students register for ONE Commencement Group. Groups are divided by Area of Study, and students are encouraged to join the group for their Area of Study. If you are unsure which Area of Study your degree or certificate is in, please review the Area of Study webpage. Each group will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Graduates must arrive 15 minutes early to check-in and line up.

Registration is NOT required for guests.

All walks take place on Friday, May 23, 2025.

• Group 1 - Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Area of Study - 1:00pm - 1:30pm
• Group 2 - Business, Agriculture, Hospitality & Legal Area of Study - 1:45pm - 2:15pm
• Group 3 - STEM and Skilled Trades & Technology Areas of Study - 2:30pm - 3:00pm
• Group 4 - Health & Wellness and Child Development, Education & Information Areas of Study - 3:15pm - 3:45pm
• Group 5 - Creative Arts, Humanities & Communication and ESL & Non-Credit - 4:00pm - 4:30pm

Have you submitted a Degree Application?  Friday, April 4 is the deadline to turn in the degree application for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 to ensure your name and honors will be printed in the Commencement Program. 

Grad Fair NCC - April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm, NCC Cafeteria

Grad Fair SLO - April 16, 11:00am - 1:00pm, ASCC Courtyard

• Pick up your regalia from the bookstore and decorate your cap for Commencement!
• Student Services staff will be available to answer questions about the event, transfer plans, and financial aid.

• RSVP for Commencement by 5:00pm, Friday, May 16.
• Deadline to request ADA Accommodations for graduates or guests.  Contact grad@cuesta.edu to request accommodations.
• Missed the deadline to register for the ceremony? Contact grad@cuesta.edu.