Commencement
Stanford Commencement Weekend
June 11-14, 2026
Baccalaureate Celebration
Baccalaureate at Stanford is a multi-faith celebratory gathering for graduating seniors and their families. It will be held in the Frost Amphitheater. Limited capacity.
Commencement Ceremony
We look forward to celebrating Stanford's 135th Commencement ceremony with graduates, faculty, friends and families in the Stanford Stadium.
School & Department Ceremonies
Most school and department ceremonies will take place at various times and locations across campus following the main ceremony on Sunday, June 14.
Commencement Weekend News and Announcements
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2026 Commencement Flowers
Pre-order flowers by Thursday, June 11 to pick up on Sunday, June 14 at Stanford Stadium.
May 14, 2026
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A Commencement Message from President Levin
I am pleased to invite you to Stanford University’s 135th Commencement Weekend. Commencement is a time of great joy, as we celebrate our graduates’ achievements, thank their loved ones for their steadfast support, and share in some of the university’s most cherished and long-standing traditions.
April 16, 2026
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Lerone A. Martin named 2026 Baccalaureate speaker
The multifaith Baccalaureate celebration will feature remarks from Lerone A. Martin, professor, author, and director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Institute at Stanford.
April 14, 2026
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Sundar Pichai will be Stanford’s 2026 Commencement speaker
The CEO of Google and Alphabet will be the keynote speaker for Commencement 2026. Pichai holds a master’s in materials science and engineering from the university.
April 02, 2026
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Off Campus Lodging Options for Commencement Weekend
The Bay Area offers a wide range of lodging options. HBC Event Services is offering a limited amount of accommodations during the weekend. Check the Plan Your Visit page to see available options.
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Volunteer Opportunities at Commencement Weekend
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Commencement Weekend! Volunteer opportunities are open to current and former staff and faculty, alumni, parents and community members. A variety of roles and time commitments are available. Find a volunteer opportunity that works for you. Thank you for volunteering for Commencement Weekend!
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Are tickets required for Commencement?
Yes. Tickets will be required for the main Commencement ceremony in Stanford Stadium. Tickets or registration may also be required for other weekend events. Eligible graduates will receive information about ticketing and how to register in mid-April.
How many Commencement tickets can each graduate request?
Graduates can request as many tickets as needed for their family and friends for the main ceremony at Stanford Stadium. Other ticketed events may have capacity limitations based on the venue.
What is the main Commencement ceremony, and how is it different from my school or department's ceremony?
Stanford’s main Commencement is a university-wide celebration in Stanford Stadium with all graduates and their families. It features the procession, the President’s address, the keynote speaker, and the degree conferrals, and lasts about two hours. Graduates do not have their names called, walk across the stage, or receive diplomas at the main ceremony. This occurs at their individual school or department ceremonies, which are held in various locations across campus on Sunday, following the main ceremony (except for Business, Law, and Medicine, which take place on Saturday afternoon).
I am an international student. Do my family members need a visa to attend Commencement Weekend?
For students who are confirmed eligible to graduate in June 2026, if your family members are not United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States, they will need a temporary tourist visa. For more information regarding visa types and the application process, please visit the U.S. Department of State website. Your family may also reach out to their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for information related to their application process.
I am an international student eligible to graduate in 2026. Does Stanford need to provide any documents for my family related to the visa application process?
There are no letters or documents required by the U.S. Department of State from Stanford University, its schools, or departments related to your family/visitor’s visa application process. For information about the official application process and documentation, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website. We have provided a brief summary page related to the B-2 visa process for general reference purposes. If you have additional questions, please contact Stanford's Bechtel International Center.
Will the Commencement ceremony be viewable online for those who cannot attend in person?
Yes, the main Commencement ceremony will be streamed live on the Commencement website beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, June 14, 2026. It will also be broadcast on Stanford’s radio station KZSU 90.1FM and kzsu.stanford.edu. A complete recording of the event will be available on the Stanford YouTube channel and shared on this website shortly after the event.
