Graduates
Congratulations graduates! This page includes important information regarding your participation and planning for Commencement Weekend. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Important dates and deadlines for 2025 graduating students
Monday, June 2 – Saturday, June 14: Student rental regalia available for order and pick up at the Stanford Bookstore, second floor, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
June 6 (Fri, 5 p.m.) Late application deadline for Spring Quarter degree conferral ($50 fee).
Sunday, June 15: Last minute regalia pickup at the Stanford Bookstore, second floor, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 15: Rental regalia returns at the Stanford Bookstore
June 19 (Thu) Posting of degrees; degrees will be awarded with a conferral date of Commencement. Graduates will have access to official degree certifications and transcripts the day after degrees are posted.
Top FAQs for Commencement
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.
How many Commencement tickets can each graduate request?
Graduates can request as many tickets as they need for their family and friends.
How do I know if I am eligible to request tickets?
You are eligible if you:
- Conferred a degree in Summer 2024, Autumn 2024, or Winter 2025.
- Are expected to confer your degree in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025.
- Are a co-term student who began your undergraduate degree in Autumn 2021.
- Have an approved Commencement Participation Request.
To check your eligibility:
Note: the form does not work for students who have already graduated. If you graduated in one of the terms listed above, you are eligible and do not need to double-check.
- Log into Axess.
- Go to the "My Academics" drop-down menu.
- Select "Univ. Commencement Eligibility."
You'll be directed to a page that will indicate Eligible or Not Eligible, based on your student record. If eligible, no further action is needed. If you are ineligible but want to participate and request tickets, you need to complete the linked Commencement Participation Request form.
NOTE: If you plan to apply to graduate in Summer 2025 but have a different expected graduation date than listed above, follow the exception request process above.
Commencement Weekend Do's
Dress comfortably. That includes shoes too. While there is generally no dress code requirement, most graduates opt to wear business casual attire under their robes (think slacks, dress shirt with or without a tie, blouse or skirt/dress) for Baccalaureate and Commencement and evening cocktail attire for Senior Dinner on the Quad. Remember that you will be standing in the lineup, walking quite far across various surfaces (gravel, pavement, grass) and sitting in the sun for extended periods of time, so make sure to wear clothing that is comfortable, not too warm, but will still look good in all of the photos you will take throughout the day (with and without your robe).
Travel light. Only bring what you need or leave valuables with family or friends. You will have to carry what you bring (as long as it meets the clear bag policy requirements) with you onto the field, plus you'll want to have an extra hand to pick up a program and bottle of water, so less is more.
Arrive early. Gates open early and graduates are expected to arrive at least an hour prior to the procession start time. Avoid long lines at the entry and arrive early. Make sure you give yourself enough time to find parking, walk to the venue, go through security, grab a program/water and get into the lineup. You'll also want to factor in time to take photos and catch up with family and friends. Avoid the stress of rushing and arrive early. View detailed stadium map
Follow instructions. Make sure to read the candidate instructions ahead of time. There will be different instructions for Advanced Degree graduates and Undergraduates, so pay close attention to the signs around the graduate lineup area, and to verbal instructions from Marshals and staff.
Make sure your phone is fully charged. Opportunities to charge will be few and far between, so you'll want to be sure to be fully charged before heading out the door so you can contact family and friends, take photos and get updates.
Commencement Weekend Don'ts
Don't forget your ticket. Your QR code ticket will be scanned at the graduate lineup gate to allow access to the field. If you don't have your ticket, you will need to check in separately at the solutions desk with your photo ID. Only eligible students/graduates will be allowed in the graduate lineup area, in the ceremony procession, and on the field.
Don't bring bags or items that do not meet the clear bag requirements. Read the Clear Bag Policy page for a list of prohibited bags and items. These items will not be allowed into the venue. Complimentary bag check will be available, but save yourself the hassle of getting turned away at the gate and having to wait in line to check your items by know what not to bring before you come.
Don't forget your cap and gown. Academic attire (cap and gown) is required to be worn for participating in both Commencement and Baccalaureate ceremonies. To expedite entry into the venue, carry them, don't wear them through security and put them on once you are inside. There will NOT be extras available so if you don't have the proper regalia, you won't be allowed to participate. Another tip, take your regalia out of the bag ahead of time to ensure you have everything, and hang it up or give it an iron/steam to get out some wrinkles.
Don't forget to request tickets or RSVP for events. Tickets are also required for guests for Commencement and Baccalaureate so don't forget to request tickets for all of your guests before the deadline. Also, be sure to confirm your attendance ahead of time for any other events that may require it, such as Senior Dinner on the Quad.
Don't attend events if you are sick or experiencing COVID symptoms. The main Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for anyone who is unable to attend.
Get Graduation Gear from the Stanford Bookstore
Rental regalia, graduation gifts, announcements, and more are available to order online through the Stanford Bookstore.
Regalia is available for rent in person at the Stanford Bookstore from June 2–14. Last minute regalia pickup is available on Sunday, June 15 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Student Services Graduation Information
Review the appropriate information on the Student Services website.
Info for Undergraduates
You are automatically eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony if you are expected to confer your degree in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025.
Eligibility to participate in the university's Commencement ceremony is based on a student’s actual OR expected graduation term. Expected Graduation Terms are based on matriculation year (e.g. 4 years after matriculation for an undergraduate student). Undergraduate students who began their undergraduate program in Autumn 2021 have an Expected Graduation Term of Spring 2025 and therefore do not need to apply to graduate in order to be eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony.
To graduate, you must file your graduation application by the application 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.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Progress
Info for Coterms
You are automatically eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony if you are a coterm student who began your undergraduate degree program in Autumn 2021.
Eligibility to participate in the university's Commencement ceremony is based on a student’s actual OR expected graduation term. Expected Graduation Terms are based on matriculation year (e.g. 4 years after matriculation for an undergraduate student). Undergraduate students and coterminal students who began their undergraduate program in Autumn 2021 have an Expected Graduation Term of Spring 2025 and therefore do not need to apply to graduate in order to be eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony.
Info for Advanced Degrees
You are automatically eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony if you are expected to confer your degree in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025.
Eligibility to participate in the university's Commencement ceremony is based on a student’s actual OR expected graduation term. Expected Graduation Terms are calculated differently for graduate students. Graduate students should plan to apply to graduate or request an exception if they want to participate.
To graduate, you must file your graduation application by the application 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.
Info for Summer, Autumn, Winter Grads
You are automatically eligible to participate in the main Commencement ceremony if you have previously conferred a degree in Summer 2024, Autumn 2024, or Winter 2025.
The only thing you need to do is update your email address and set up your Alumni account to receive Commencement Weekend emails after your @stanford.edu email expires.
Info for Alumni
If you were eligible to participate in last year's Commencement ceremony but were unable to attend and would like to participate in the ceremony this year, you may request an exception. Follow the instructions on the Student Academic Services website to check eligibility and submit a request to participate.
Info for Double Majors & Dual Degrees
If you are planning on conferring more than one degree — for example, an undergraduate and graduate degree, a PhD and master's degree — a separate application to graduate must be submitted for each degree.
As most school and department ceremonies occur on Sunday afternoon following the main Commencement ceremony, you should check with both departments to confirm their planned schedules to see if it would be possible to attend both, however you may need to choose which ceremony you prefer to attend.