The most anticipated time of the year at California State University, Northridge is quickly approaching — Commencement.

Eligible CSUN students interested in participating in commencement ceremonies must apply to graduate no later than March 2. 

Graduating seniors should note that CSUN GradFest 2018 will take place March 14 and 15, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the CSUN Campus Store. The event is a one-stop-shop for all the final preparations before walking across the stage, including renting caps and gowns, receiving information regarding ceremonies, reserving guest tickets, purchasing souvenirs and taking a graduation portrait. Vendors will be on site to showcase their commencement-related items. Attendees will also have the chance to enter for a chance to win great prizes.

In addition to graduation activities, GradFest will present students with a chance to donate to the Senior Class Gift. 

The Senior Class Gift tradition is students’ first chance at leaving a legacy on campus by giving back to their alma mater and enhancing the CSUN experience for those who follow. The suggested Senior Class Gift donation amount is $20.18, but can be of any size, and will help provide support to the CSUN Food Pantry, MataCare Fund and CSUN Alumni Relations services. Students who donate at least $18 will receive a CSUN Class of ’18 T-shirt.

Grad Packs available for purchase during GradFest will include a one-year membership to the CSUN Alumni Association. Packages start at $45 for undergraduates and $75 for master’s packages. 

The commencement ceremonies and honors convocation will take place at the Oviatt Library Lawn.

Here are some important dates to note:

March 2: Last day to apply for graduation in order to participate in the 2018 Commencement Ceremony and have your name published in the program.

March 14 – 15: GradFest at the CSUN Campus Store Complex

March 19 – 25: Spring Break – no instruction

April 13: Deadline to download and print commencement tickets

May 1: Caps and gowns available to pick up first week of May

May 11: International & Exchange Student Graduation Receptions – 4 p.m.

May 12 – 18: Final examinations

May 12: Honors Convocation – 6 p.m.

May 12: Aztlán Graduation – noon

May 13: Black Graduation Ceremony – 4 p.m.

May 17: Veterans Graduation Reception – 5:30 p.m.

May 18: Rainbow Graduation (LGTBQIA) – 1 p.m.

May 18: Mike Curb College of Arts, Media & Communication – 6 p.m.

May 19: David Nazarian College of Business and Economics – 8 a.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Science & Mathematics – 6 p.m.

May 20: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences I – 8 a.m.

Michael D. Eisner College of Education, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences II – 6 p.m.

May 21: College of Humanities, College of Health and Human Development I – 8 a.m. 

College of Health & Human Development II – 6 p.m.

May 22: Jewish Graduation – 5:30 p.m.

For additional details on CSUN commencement and the surrounding events, please visit https://www.csun.edu/commencement/.