Founded in 1928, Hope International University is celebrating its 115th Commencement. Our December 2024 graduates embody the University's mission of preparing servant leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world. These individuals join more than 14,000 Alumni who carry Hope International University's legacy of service and ministry to the Church and society. Their achievement has been facilitated by a faculty qualified by both academic credentials and Christian commitment and service.
This commencement marks HIU's fifty-second academic year in Fullerton. Here, as earlier in Long Beach and Los Angeles, the University has maintained a diligent commitment to advance the mission of Christ.
We do not anticipate having to require masks or having to put in place other restrictions for the December Commencement. However, everyone will recognize by now that the Covid environment may change, and the university will follow any local, state, or federal rules that may be imposed at the time. Any change of this kind will be communicated to participants in the most timely way. In every case, the university will put in place the least restrictive practices, consistent with the health and safety of all participants and attendees.
Guest parking is available in the HIU Commonwealth Lot, CSUF Lot "S", and in the Theology Institute Lot on Titan Drive. The HIU Titan Lot is reserved for handicapped parking. Shuttles are available on a limited basis.
Graduates need to arrive by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Signs will be posted in the Student Center directing you to the ready room. The dress standard for the ceremony is Professional Business Attire. The stage requires the use of steps so please choose your footwear accordingly. Flip-flops are not allowed. If you anticipate the need for assistance or physical accommodations, please contact Kim Johnson at [email protected] in advance of the ceremony.
Please do not bring handbags or any other valuable personal items into the ready room. You will not be allowed to carry anything during the ceremony, and the room will be used for overflow seating once you exit. Therefore, please do not bring anything with you except your cap and gown. HIU is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
At the check in tables, you will pick up your name card. Keep this card with you at all times. During the ceremony, you will hand this card to the announcer, who will then read your name.
Two individual photographs will be taken during the ceremony. Graduates will receive proofs of these photographs via email a week after graduation for review and ordering, if desired, from Grad Images.
Students must fulfill the chapel attendance requirement to participate in commencement ceremonies. Please contact the Director of Campus Ministries, (714) 879-3901 x 1294, to ensure you have made arrangements to make up any excused absences.
Caps and gowns are available for purchase beginning mid-November at the Hope International University Bookstore; the cost is approximately $52.00. It will be necessary to press the gown with a cool iron prior to the ceremony. Students can order personalized announcements at college.jostens.com.
Masters hoods for graduate students, as previously announced and communicated by academic coaches, must be ordered by October 15th.
Only University sponsored honors are suitable adornments for your gown. No other decorations will be allowed. Please contact the bookstore via email at [email protected] should you have further questions.
HIU values the academic accomplishments of our students. In order to ensure recognition of these academic honors, please note the following deadlines. Online undergraduate students receiving honors at Fall commencement must have their degree posted by the Office of the Registrar no later than November 30th. Official grade information for traditional undergraduate students must be received by the Office of the Registrar by December 9th. Please consult your academic coach or advisor for assistance.
If you are enrolled at another college and taking classes required for your degree, you must submit a letter from your professor(s) on college stationery stating your current grade in the course(s). This report must be turned in to the Registrar's Office by December 9th. You must also request an "official" transcript from the other institution (including CSUF). Your degree will not be posted until we have an official transcript from the other institution's registrar showing the final posting of all your grades and academic credits that are to be transferred.
An approved "Petition to Graduate" and payment of any remaining balance owed by you to HIU is required to participate in the commencement ceremonies. All financial obligations are to be paid by November 15th.
All students who have received Federal Direct Loans will receive an email related to their loan information, including a loan summary while attending HIU and resources pertaining to repayment questions, from the Office of Financial Aid approximately 2-3 weeks prior to commencement. For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (714) 879-3901 x2202.
As an alum of Hope International University, you continue to have access to the resources offered to you through Career Development. No matter where you are at in the job search process, we are here to assist you and ensure your success in finding a successful career path. If you are looking for a job, make sure to check out the Career Development Online Job Portal for hundreds of various job opportunities, locally, nationally, and even internationally. If this is your first time logging on to the system, make sure to click the "Click Here to Register" link directly under the Login button. Career Development can help you format and create your resume and cover letter, provide application assistance, and help you prep for upcoming interviews through Mock Interviews. Contact Career Development to make to appointment today at either [email protected] or at (714) 879-3901 ext. 1696.
