Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. Click on the question to reveal the answer. We will regularly update this page with additional questions and answers as we approach Commencement Weekend. If you have a question that is not addressed on this website, contact our office.

What is Commencement and how is it different from my school or department's ceremony?
- Commencement is the main ceremony in Stanford Stadium where all graduating seniors and advanced degree graduates gather from all schools with their families. This main ceremony includes the procession, President's address, keynote speaker addresses and degree conferrals. The ceremony from processional start to recession of the stage members lasts approximately 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. School and department ceremonies generally happen after the main Commencement ceremony and at various locations across the campus. Many ceremonies are followed by a reception.
When will Commencement be held?
- The 2023 Commencement will be held the weekend of June 16 – 18, 2023.
Do I need tickets for my guests and how many guests can attend?
- Most events during the weekend do not have tickets and generally there are no limits on the number of guests graduates can bring. There are exceptions and some events do require RSVP, such as Senior Dinner on the Quad, which is exclusively for graduating seniors and require reservations. Some department ceremonies may require tickets or have restrictions on number of guests due to limited capacity of a venue. It is recommended to contact the departments directly for information about these events.
Will the ceremony be viewable online for people who cannot attend?
- Yes, the main Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on the Commencement website, and broadcast live on Stanford’s radio station KZSU 90.1FM and on kzsu.stanford.edu. A complete recording of the event will be available on the Stanford YouTube channel.
How do I know if I am eligible to participate?
- In general, students who graduated in the previous Summer, Autumn, and Winter quarters, as well as those who have applied to graduate in the Spring and Summer quarters will be eligible to participate. Also, undergraduates who entered into a co-term program and would otherwise be graduating in Spring or Summer quarters for their bachelor’s degree, will also be eligible to participate.
How and when do I apply to graduate?
- If you will be graduating in Spring or Summer quarter, please make sure you have applied to graduate in Axess before the deadline (see the academic calendar for dates). Instructions for applying to graduate, as well as a graduation checklist, can be found of the Student Services website.
What COVID-19 health and safety precautions are being taken?
- Up-to-date information about Stanford’s visitor policy can be found on the Health Alerts website. All travelers, including domestic and international, are required to adhere to the policies outlined on the Health Alerts website. Before traveling, please visit the following websites for travel information and restrictions, updates and alerts:
  
  Stanford’s current travel policies on the Health Alerts website
  California State website
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
  World Health Organization (W.H.O.) website
How do international F1 or J1 students obtain a travel visa letter of invitation?
- You may email commencement@stanford.edu for information regarding visa letters of invitation. Invitations are only addressed to the student, not family or guests. When requesting a letter of invitation, please include your full legal name and your degree program/school. Please note: Bechtel International Center does not provide Letters of Invitation.