Graduates
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR GRADUATION.
Congratulations to Class of 2026! It has been a long journey to make it here. The Olivet University community is excited to celebrate this special event together with you. We wish that the commencement ceremony would become a celebration of God’s grace bestowed upon your life, witnessing the amazing work of God at Olivet.
STEP 1: GRADUATION APPLICATION AND GRADUATION FEE
Graduates registered for their last quarter should consult with the college director and academic advisor for graduation eligibility. First, submit a graduation application form and pay the graduation application fee ($100 for Bachelor & Master Degree, $200 for Doctoral Degree) via Populi. After you submit your graduation application, the college will complete your graduation audit. Once your graduation audit is completed and you pay the graduation fee by June 12th, you will be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.
The graduation application fee is non-refundable. Graduates must pay the fee whether they are planning to walk in the commencement ceremony or not. It is used to defray the cost of processing candidates for graduation and printing diplomas. It does not cover the cost of the academic regalia worn at commencement.
STEP 2: REGISTRATION FOR COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Graduates who plan to attend and walk in the commencement ceremony must register no later than Tuesday, June 2nd. Otherwise, your name may not be included in the printed program. Please complete your Commencement RSVP now.
There is a limited number of on-campus lodging spaces which can be purchased on a first-come first-serve basis. This lodging option is quite popular so please reach the graduation team before they run out.
Other lodging options include the local Cahuilla Hotel located 9 minutes from campus or hotel options in Temecula located approximately 40-50 minutes away from campus. For more information, please visit the Travel section.
STEP 3: ARRIVING AT THE RIVERSIDE CAMPUS
Attending graduates are recommended to arrive at the Main Campus no later than Friday, June 19th 5:00pm. Graduates should rent their graduation academic regalia immediately upon arrival at the front desk.
STEP 4: RENTING THE GRADUATION GOWN
Graduates will be able to rent academic regalia (caps, gowns and hoods) for the commencement ceremony. Please pay the rental fee via Populi by Friday, June 12th, to make a reservation in advance. Upon arrival at the campus, please prepare a deposit of $40 and pick up your academic regalia at Front Desk. Graduates may also choose to use their valid driver license, government-issued ID, or passport as a form of deposit.
Rental Fee
Bachelor Degree (black cap and gown only): $30.00
Master Degree (black cap, gown and hood*): $40.00
FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE ONLY: If doctoral students would like to purchase academic regalia, please contact the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies as soon as possible to allow time for shipment. Each academic regalia costs approximately $500 plus additional $50 shipping fee.
Diploma Cover Payment (optional):
All graduates may optionally pay $25 for the diploma cover. Please make this payment via Populi by the 12th if you wish to purchase one. This fee is optional, not mandatory, for graduating students.
STEP 5: TAKING GRAUDATE PORTRAIT
Professional photography service will be provided for graduates who wish to get their cap & gown portraits done on 19th 1:00-5:00pm, June 20th, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Graduates are advised to come to the photo session as soon as they have completed check-in upon arrival.
Cost & Payment
Standard Plan: $60 per person
Studio Portrait (2x) + Event Photos (2x)
Digital JEPG copy available for unlimited download
Students can print up to 8×10 inch*
*If larger sizes are preferred, please email to graduation@olivetuniversity.edu. Necessary fees will be applied.
To reserve your spot, please make payment via Populi by Friday, June 12th. When you check-in upon arrival at the campus, you will receive a ticket at Front Desk for the photo session.
Graduates will be able to download a digital file of the portrait after the event.
STEP 6: RETURNING THE GRADUATION GOWN
Graduates must return the academic regalia to the Front Desk after the commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 20th from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
STEP 7: RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA
Diplomas are available approximately one month after the final term grades are released. The degree conferred date on the diploma is the last day of the graduating quarter. Registrar’s Office will notify graduates once diplomas are available. There are two ways to receive your diploma:
a. Pick up in-person
Graduates may visit Registrar’s Office with valid photo ID to obtain their diplomas in person.
b. In the mail
Graduates who wish to receive their diplomas in the mail may contact Registrar’s Office. Graduates are responsible for the postal fee. Please make sure your name and postal address are correct when ordering the diploma.
Please note that diplomas will be presented or mailed only if you have satisfied all your University academic and financial obligations. If you have any unmet obligations to the University, you will not receive a diploma or transcript until the obligation is fulfilled.