Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for your diploma or certificate is simple. Submit an online application in Self-Service during your final term.
Submit an Application to Graduate
Note: Diplomas will be mailed to the address on file on February 15, 2024 (Summer and Fall 2023 Graduates) or July 15, 2024 (Spring 2024 Graduates).
Confirm your address in Self-Service
For questions or concerns regarding your graduation application, please contact ESgrading@msjc.edu.
Not sure if you are eligible for a degree/certificate? Visit with a counselor for assistance.
To view the status of your application, as well as any comments left for you by the Evaluations team:
1. Log in and navigate to your My Progress page,
2. Select the "Evaluation and Graduation Results" link located under the header "Program Notes."
March 29 - Deadline to apply for Spring 2024 degree/certificate to ensure name will be included in the printed graduation program (applications submitted after this date will not appear in the program but graduates may still participate ("walk") in the spring ceremony)
May 10 - Last day to apply for Spring 2023 degree/certificate (graduates submitting apps after this date are not eligible to participate ("walk") in the spring ceremony)
Submit an Application to Graduate in Self-Service
Note: Ceremony RSVPs open March 18th; space is limited. Only eligbile graduates (those with approved grad apps) may RSVP to participate/walk in the ceremony.
Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional but encouraged as we'd love to celebrate your achievements!
To participate ("walk") in the upcoming graduation ceremony, eligible graduates must RSVP. RSVPs open March 18th.
RSVP to participate/walk in the Spring ceremony
Note: eligible graduates include Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates (or have an approved grduation app on file).
Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional and not required to graduate. However if you do walk to participate/walk in the ceremony, an RSVP is required. RSVPs open March 18th.
Absolutely! Wether you choose to participate or not, we do not provide diplomas or certificates at the ceremony.
Diplomas will be mailed to the address on file on February 15, 2024 (Summer and Fall 2023 Graduates) or July 15, 2024 (Spring 2024 Graduates).
Confirm your address in Self-Service
Students who choose to participate in the ceremony will receive one (1) blank diploma cover, regardless of how many degrees/certificates earned.
Note: covers are not available for sale and are only provided to those who participate in the graduation ceremony.
The graduation ceremony is on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at The Summit located inside Pechanga Resort Casino at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula 92592.
MSJC is hotsing two ceremonies- 10:30am and 3:30pm. Each ceremony is approximately two (2) hours.
Grads must RSVP for one of the two available ceremonies. RSVPs open March 18th.
RSVP to participate/walk in the Spring ceremony
Note: family/friends do not RSVP.
You may invite as many family and friends as you’d like, there are no tickets or RSVPs required.
You may invite as many family and friends as you’d like, there are no tickets or RSVPs required.
Please advise your guests of the following:
- Doors open 2 hours in advance
- The ceremony is about 2 hours
- Seating is 1st come, 1st served
- Seat saving is not allowed; please be respectful of all guests
- Once venue capacity is reached, guests are required to sit in the overflow room where they may watch the ceremony on a jumbo screen
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (not the graduate) at all times
- See Parking for details on where to park and venue address
- Please hold non-wearable flowers and/or gifts until after the ceremony as graduates may not carry items onto the stage
- No strollers or balloons
- No silly string, confetti, etc.
- No standing in aisles or against walls
- No smoking in the facility
- Do not leave any personal bags or backpacks unattended
- Service dogs (ADA Title III) are allowed; Emotional support animals of any kind are not allowed
- The event will be livestreamed to our website: msjc.edu/graduation
Graduates and guests may use the complimentary self-parking in the North Parking Garage off of Pechanga Parkway or in the East Parking Garage off of Pechanga Resort Drive.
Pechanga is an ADA compliant facility. Guests with mobility needs may take advantage of the resorts valet parking or park in designated handicap parking spaces in the parking garages.
Valet parking is limited, and car retrieval times vary based on volume. Additionally, there is an out-of-pocket cost to utilize valet.
Please allow sufficient time for parking and potential traffic delays.
All graduates participating in the ceremony are required to wear a cap and gown (“regalia”). Other regalia including tassels, sashes, cords, etc. are optional.
And thanks to your SGA, caps, gowns and tassels are free for RSVP’d grads. More information regarding pick up will be shared with those who RSVP to walk in the ceremony.
Details are expected by mid-April.
Note: caps/gowns/tassels are not available for sale and will only be provided to those who participate in the graduation ceremony.
Degree recipients wear a black cap and gown.
Certificate recipients wear a red cap and gown.
Nursing graduates wear a white cap and gown.
Degree recipients with a 3.5-4.0 GPA wear a gold tassel; all others wear a tri-colored tassel.
Graduates who belong to special programs, such as Phi Theta Kappa, Honors Enrichment (must be a completer), Veteran’s, or other student organizations, may have additional (optional) regalia available. Please work with your special program directly on how to purchase.
More information on how to obtain regalia will be sent to RSVP'd grads in mid-April 2024.
More information regarding pick up will be shared with those who RSVP to walk in the ceremony.
Details expected by mid-April.
Note: caps/gowns/tassels are not available for sale and are only provided to those who participate in the graduation ceremony.
We recommend graduates wear comfortable clothing. Think business or smart casual.
Although the event is indoor and we utilize ramps, appropriate footwear, for comfort and safety, is recommended.
We also ask that you bring as little with you as possible (no purses or bags, etc.).
You will not want to carry these items across the stage.
MSJC & Pechanga Resort Casino are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
PTK will sell fresh, orchid leis in advance and at the ceremony.
Preorders are expected to sell for $20 or you may buy one for $25 at the ceremony, while supplies last.
Details are expected by mid-April will be linked to the lefthand navigation once available.
Please ask guests to hold non-wearable flowers and/or gifts until after the ceremony as graduates may not carry items onto the stage.
Balloons are not permitted.
Student Speaker audtions are scheduled for:
- Menifee Valley Campus- Wednesday, April 17th, 4:30 to 6:30 PM, Room 600
- San Jacinto Campus- Thursday, April 18th, 4:30 to 6:30 PM, Room 1614
Please review the selection criteria and other details at msjc.edu/graduation/student-speaker-auditions.
To audition to sing the Star Spangled Banner or Lift Every Voice and Sing, please contact Selena Paez-Mendez at smendez@msjc.edu.
Note: songs must be a cappella.
Graduates participating in the in-person ceremony will have two professional photos taken by GradImages. The first is a candid photo as you cross the stage and the second is a posed portrait, after you've walked off stage. You will receive a free passport-sized, full-color proof by email about five weeks after graduation. There is no obligation to purchase.
For 20% off your purchase of $50 or more, register in advance with GradImages: gradimages.com/Registration
Has it been five (5) weeks from the ceremony? Try searching for it at gradimages.com or contact GradImages' Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576.
There is no in-person rehearsal.
Please review information in this newsletter, on our website, so you and your guests know what to expect.
A short rehearsal video is expected in early May and will be linked to the lefthand navigation once available.
Graduates will rise and file to the stage, as directed.
Once on stage, graduates will hand their “Name Reader Cards” to the announcer who will read their name aloud.
Graduates proceed to the dignitaries, to shake hands and receive their diploma cover. Grab the cover with your left hand and shake with your right hand.
Graduates then exit the stage, take their portrait, and proceed back to their seat, as directed.
Names are not called in any particular order.
Graduates may view the FAQs, Rehearsal Video and the Graduation Newsletter for more information- all will be linked to the lefthand navigation once available.
Te ceremony will be livestreamed!
This is a great way for additional family and friends to be part of your special day.
The livestream will begin about 10 minutes before the ceremony begins on the main graduation website:
We want to assist our graduates with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations at the ceremony.
If you need an accommodation, please disclose your need at the time of RSVP or contact Selena Paez-Mendez at (951) 639-5201 or smendez@msjc.edu.
Guests may receive assistance with locating appropriate seating by visiting the ADA table at the ceremony.
Selena Paez-Mendez
smendez@msjc.edu
951-639-5201