Concordia St. Paul Commencement

Eligible students will receive an email in February for Spring and in October for Fall, outlining ceremony information, timelines, and the RSVP form. Eligibility is determined based on a student’s anticipated graduation date and application for program completion status. Students who do not receive the invitation email, but would like to participate in a ceremony, should email [email protected].

Yes. The Registrar’s Office will review student records for degree awarding after final grades are posted to the student record (one week after the end of the term). This process can take 2-3 weeks. The university prints diplomas monthly and sends a congratulatory email once that process is completed. The diploma and an official degree completion transcript will be mailed to the permanent address on the student’s record. If students have questions about their diploma status or transcript, they should contact [email protected].

Students participating in the commencement ceremony are required to secure their attire through CSP’s approved vendor. An email that includes information on securing attire will be sent within 3 weeks after receiving your RSVP. The price of attire varies by earned degree.

• Undergraduate, graduate or educational specialist degree attire will cost approximately $65-$145
• Doctoral or phd degree attire will cost approximately $230-$550

Yes. Each participating student will receive 6 guest tickets. This number MAY increase depending on RSVP submissions. Information to secure the tickets from Vivenu will be sent to participating students via email, approximately 6 weeks prior to the ceremony.

• A PDF copy of guest tickets are sent directly to students via email or text after securing from Vivenu. Please forward and/or distribute them to guests in advance of arrival at the commencement ceremony.
• Children under the age of 3 do not need a ticket.
• Students do not need a ticket.

Only undergraduate students earning Bachelor level degrees are eligible for honors. Honors listed in the commencement program will be estimated if your degree is not yet awarded and may change based on your final grades and cumulative GPA.

Undergraduate students who complete 60 or more credits at CSP and meet the following GPA requirements will earn Latin honors:

• 3.6 – 3.74 Cum Laude
• 3.75 – 3.89 Magna Cum Laude
• 3.9 – 4.0 Summa Cum Laude

Undergraduate students who complete 59 or fewer credits at CSP and meet the following GPA requirements will earn honors:

• 3.75 – 3.89 with Distinction
• 3.9 – 4.0 with High Distinction

Honors earned, if any, at the time your degree is awarded will be printed on your transcript and diploma. If your degree is awarded after the commencement ceremony and your estimated honors have changed, you may request to exchange your medallion by emailing [email protected].

Yes, ceremonies are live-streamed, close captioned and recorded. The links are posted on this website the day prior to the commencement ceremony.

A recording of your ceremony will be made available 1 month following the ceremony and posted on this website. Past ceremony recordings are located on CSP’s YouTube.

Yes, Lot C, located off Hamline Ave. and directly behind the Gangelhoff Center, is a designated, free handicap parking lot. Vehicles with handicap permits or license plates will be allowed entrance. A detailed campus map with parking lot information can be found here.

Campus directions are available here

• Lot C will open to all guests 15 minutes prior to the ceremony.
• Individuals with limited mobility may be dropped off at the corner of Marshall and Hamline, in the designated “Drop Off” zone.
• The entire building is handicapped accessible and has ample, non-reserved, floor seating.m

Parking is free in all CSP lots and available in Lot D off Marshall Ave or in Lots H and E, located off Hamline Ave. Street parking is available on Marshall Ave. A detailed campus map with parking lot information can be found here. Campus directions is available here.

Since there is no rehearsal, we have created a Day of Commencement Timeline that will help students prepare for their special day.

1. Arrival – Students should arrive 60-90 minutes prior to the ceremony, which will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Enter the GRADUATE CHECK-IN doors outside the Gangelhoff Center.
2. Check-In – Bring a picture ID to ensure a quick check-in process. A CSP representative will direct you to the check-in table where you will receive an index card that lists your name, degree, and assigned row/seat number. Do not lose this card. If you qualify for honors, you will receive your medallion at this time.
3. Attire – Wear your attire to the ceremony unless you have been directed otherwise. Representatives will assist student who have attire questions.
4. Seating – Once you have checked in and have your attire, proceed directly to your assigned seat. Here, you will find a program and gift from the Alumni Association. We encourage you to remain there until the ceremony begins. Faculty will be nearby to assist you with questions.
5. Degree Conferral Steps
   1. Step 1– Prior to being individually recognized on stage, you will be instructed to stand, and your degree (listed on the white card) will be conferred.
   2. Step 2– The Honor Marshal will motion your row to stand and direct you to the stage. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR WHITE CARD.
   3. Step 3– Hand your card to the professional card reader and when prompted, proceed to walk towards President Friedrich, who will hand you an empty diploma cover. Handshakes or fist/elbow bumps will not be permitted.
   4. NOTE: If you arrive late and miss this portion of the ceremony, you will be asked to participate in a future celebration.
6. Individual Pictures – A professional photographer will take a picture when you receive your diploma cover and a posed picture after exiting the stage. Please pre-register at this link 1 month before your ceremony, to ensure you receive your proofs 10-14 days post-ceremony.
7. Recessional – At the conclusion of the ceremony, a CSP representative will dismiss your row. Follow the Honor Marshal and recess around the track; do not stop walking. You may carry your belongings with you or return for them after the recession. Please instruct your family and friends to remain in their seats and determine a meeting place after the recession.

1. Tickets – A PDF copy of guest tickets are sent directly to students, who should forward and/or distribute them to guests in advance of arrival at the commencement ceremony.
2. Arrival – Guests should enter through the designated Guest Check-in doors at the Gangelhoff Center.
3. Seating – Once tickets are scanned, guests will proceed to locate main floor or bleacher seating.
4. Ceremony Expectations
   1. Remain seated throughout the ceremony, including the recessional.
   2. Balloons or use of noise makers is NOT allowed.
   3. Flowers will be available for purchase
   4. A professional photographer will capture students receiving their diploma covers on & off stage
   5. Please save applause following the last graduate being recognized on stage
   6. Make arrangements to meet your student at the conclusion of the ceremony.