Story by: Trevor McCormick, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy Cypress College Website
As the fall semester hits the half-way mark at Cypress College, second-year students are preparing for the upcoming graduation celebration that will take place in the spring 2026 semester. Students will receive their long-awaited credentials, including degrees and certificates, after years of hard work.
The Admissions and Records Office notes that graduation is distinct from commencement. Commencement focuses more on celebrating students who have completed all of their requirements for their degrees.
The graduation ceremony will be where students are awarded their actual degrees and credentials. To participate in graduation, students must also fill out an application for that particular semester. This is typically done through a meeting with a counselor for verification.
The counseling department plays an essential role in this process, offering guidance on program layouts and workforce transfers. Counselors help students navigate their future plans, ensuring they are clear on the steps required to reach their goals.
According to data gathered from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), it has been reported that 30 to 50% of students go on to obtain employment within roughly six months of graduating from Cypress College. Additionally, 75% of those employed find jobs in their field of study..Over 20% of graduates earn a living wage, showing that many students are successfully launching careers directly related to their education.
Another resource for students preparing for their post-graduation future is the tri-annual transfer fair on campus, which has been proven to have an impressive track record for helping students become confident in their future success and career fields of choice.
After the transfer fairs that happened in 2024, an evaluation made by Data Vista revealed that 78.3% of attendees became more aware of graduation activities and overall the graduation process. The fair can also help students make connections with the right departments to ensure a smooth transition from college to career or further education.
As the academic year progresses, students preparing for graduation will have numerous resources and support systems in place to guide them through this pivotal moment in their academic journey.
Visit https://www.cypresscollege.edu/event/first-day-to-apply-for-spring-2026-graduation-and-vocational-certificates/ for more information.
