Graduation
Graduating from IAU is a significant achievement that showcases your dedication and determination to complete what you started. Pursuing a degree in any of IAU’s programs is a challenging and exciting journey that brings a profound sense of pride.
Criteria & Package
A student is awarded a degree when s/he:
- Applies for graduation and a formal graduation evaluation is conducted.
- Successfully completes all academic requirements in your program of study.
- Has an overall grade point average of 2.0 at the undergraduate level and 3.0 at the graduate level.
- Satisfies all financial obligations.
- It is encouraged that you complete the End of Program survey so that we gain your feedback on how we can improve your program.
Graduation package:
- Degree
- Padded degree cover
- Statement of Completion (SOC)
- Transcripts
Allow 4-6 weeks to receive your Graduation Package; international students please allow up to 8 weeks.
Graduation Petitioning
The Registrar Office checks and issues graduation petition submissions every Wednesday. If a graduation petition is submitted after Wednesday, Notice of Graduation Eligibility or Ineligibility shall be issued on the following Wednesday.
All the graduation dates are fixed. There are six (6) graduation dates:
Mar 15, May 15, Jul 15, Sep 15, Nov 15, Jan 15.
Each graduation date has a corresponding deadline. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for deadlines. Graduation petitions are due by 11:59 PM (PST).
E.g.: if a student wishes to graduate at the end of Summer Session 1 (June 28), go to the Academic Calendar and look for the Graduation Petition Deadline found under Summer Session 1.
There is a $50 graduation fee (non-refundable).
Late petitioning fee: $25. A late petition is accepted up to three (3) weeks after the deadline. Otherwise, the student shall be advised to apply for the next available graduation date and maintain the full time requirement.
All students seeking graduation must submit Graduation Petition Forms listed below:
Graduation Photo Session
IAU is thrilled to see you achieve your goal, but we hate to see you go! Pursuing a dream requires immense effort and passion. IAU thanks you for your hard work and trust! Celebrate your personal milestone with a formal graduation portrait that you and your family can treasure forever. IAU now offers graduate students the chance to capture their moment of accomplishment through professional photography!
Graduation Portrait Package:
- 10 – 15 min photo headshot session
- One printed photo (8″ x 10″) on glossy paper
- All electronic copies of photos taken
Cap + Gown: Will be provided at the time of the photo shoot.
Photos with the Chief Academic Officer: Can be scheduled by appointment.
1. Book a Sitting
- Schedule your appointment by emailing [email protected] or call 213-262-3939.
- The following openings are available for appointment: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
2. Make a Payment
- The Graduation Portrait Package fee is $25. The Graduation Portrait fee is non-refundable.
- Make a payment with cash, check, or use a credit/debit card on our payment page.
- Submit Proof of Payment: Email your receipt to [email protected]
Commencement Ceremony
Often referred to as “Graduation,” the Commencement Ceremony is a ceremonial celebration marking the end of the spring term for IAU alumni and students who have completed their programs. Students projected to successfully complete all graduation requirements by the end of the upcoming summer term may also participate if they are on track and have fulfilled their academic and financial obligations.
Commencement is coordinated by the Office of Student Services and the Media Team. There is only one Commencement Ceremony held each summer term to celebrate graduates from the previous spring or the upcoming fall term.
Please note that diplomas are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony. Degree completion is confirmed only after official grades are posted. It is highly recommended that you meet with your academic advisor before your last term at IAU to review your records and ensure all graduation requirements are met.
Am I eligible to participate in Commencement Ceremony?
To be eligible for the Commencement Ceremony, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be an IAU Alumni (previous graduate),
- Be conditionally approved for graduation,
- Or be on track to graduating by the end of upcoming Summer Term and maintaining a CGPA of 2.0 (ASBA/BBA) or 3.0 (MBA/DBA).
Do I need to sign up to attend?
Yes, in order to participate in and attend the Commencement Ceremony, you must register for the event. The Office of Media & Events (MAE) will provide a registration form when the time comes.
Please note, registration does not guarantee that you will be able to participate. Each student will be subject to the eligibility requirements.
Will my name be announced during a Ceremony?
Yes, every graduate will have their name read as they cross the stage, regardless of whether it is listed in the program or not.
How do I get my cap and gown?
When you register for the Commencement Ceremony, you will enter your cap and gown information, such as size and degree program. The Commencement fee includes the purchase of your cap and gown. View the Schedule of Fees and make a payment by clicking here.
All graduation regalia will arrive 2-3 weeks before the ceremony. Once they arrive, you will receive a confirmation email to pick up your items. You will be able to pick up your graduation regalia during IAU’s normal business hours.
Do I need to check in when I get there?
Yes, you should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to make sure the cap and gown is fitted properly. There will be IAU staff members at the location to check you in.
When should my guests arrive to the Ceremony?
We recommend guests arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ceremony to secure parking and seating.
How do I get pictures of the event?
Professional photographers will be stationed on and around the stage. Photos will be emailed to all attendees within three weeks after the ceremony. Additionally, a zipped file of the Commencement Ceremony photos will be made available on this webpage.
How long is the Ceremony?
Approximately two hours.
How can an international student get a letter from IAU to invite their parents to Commencement?
As a courtesy to our students, IAU will provide an invitation letter to those who will be needing one. Please contact [email protected]
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]