QUICK LINKS
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Receptions
Important Deadlines
Commencement Ceremony Registration
Regalia and Attire
Commencement Announcements (Invitations)
Commencement Photos
Commencement Flowers
Frames
CGU Grad Resource Fair
Local Hotels
FAQS
Claremont Graduate University’s 99th Commencement Ceremony
Welcome to Claremont Graduate University’s graduation and commencement website. This site is your guide for every step of this important milestone.
This site brings together everything you need to prepare for graduation and to participate in the commencement ceremony. Here, you’ll find guidance on graduation requirements, key deadlines, ceremony schedules, parking and accessibility details, and information to help you celebrate with confidence.
We are honored to recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience that brought our graduates to this moment. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate their achievements and look forward to the bright futures ahead.
Commencement Ceremony
All times are Pacific Time (PT)
Date: May 16, 2026
Graduate Check-in: 7:30 am
Photo Opportunities: 7:30 – 8:00 am
Graduate Lineup: 8:00 – 8:30 am
Platform Party Lineup: 8:30 am
Procession: 8:55 am
Ceremony Program Begins: 9:00 am
School-hosted Receptions: Immediately after the ceremony concludes
On Campus Location and Event Livestream
Mudd Quadrangle (southeast corner of Tenth Street and North Dartmouth Avenue) in Claremont, CA. The CGU ceremony will be simulcast in Albrecht Auditorium and live-streamed online. Please see the main CGU Commencement webpage for additional information when available.
Theme
The theme for this year’s ceremony is Lighting the Way: Shaping Our Future Through Transdisciplinary Education.
The theme celebrates those who build connections across disciplines to drive meaningful change and advance knowledge that transcends traditional boundaries. Those who embrace collaboration as a catalyst for innovation shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking world.
Attending the Commencement Ceremony Remotely
Candidates who indicated remote participation on their commencement registration form will receive a separate email with instructions on how to connect remotely. If you registered for in- person participation and decide to attend remotely, please email commencement@cgu.edu to update your registration and to receive instructions for remote attendees.
General Guest Seating
CGU does not require tickets for the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible seating will be marked.
Accommodations/Accessible Seating
Candidates who requested accommodations, including accessible seating, during the registration process will receive separate instructions via email. Accessible seating for guests is available in the designated areas and may be separate from general seating. Guests requiring individual accommodations are encouraged to arrive early.
Safety
CGU is committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and seamless Commencement Ceremony experience for all participants. We implement comprehensive safety protocols and coordinate closely with campus security and local authorities to uphold the highest standards of public safety. The well-being of our graduates, guests, faculty, and staff is a top priority as we come together to celebrate this important milestone with care and respect for all members of our community.
Commencement Receptions
Immediately following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are warmly invited to attend school-hosted receptions. To honor the achievements of all graduates and ensure a respectful experience for everyone, we kindly ask that graduates and guests remain seated for the full duration of the ceremony.
If you plan to attend a reception only, please note that food and beverages will be available after the ceremony has officially concluded.
To find your reception location, please refer to the Event Map or the campus map in the commencement program (2026 Event Map coming soon).
Important 2026 Deadlines
| January 6 | Intent to Receive Degree Form Opens |
| February13 | Last day to submit Intent to Receive Degree Form for Spring 2026 semester |
| February 18 | Grad Resource Fair: on-campus fair with vendors to order regalia, photos, flowers, & other memorabilia |
| February 28 | Last day to petition to submit late Spring 2026 Intent to Receive Degree Form |
| March 2 | Commencement Ceremony Registration Opens (graduates need to register to participate in the ceremony; this is a separate process from filing an Intent to Receive a Degree) |
| March 20 | Last day to schedule dissertation defense |
| March 30 | Degree Completion Survey sent to degree candidates |
| April 3 | Last day to register to participate in the Commencement Ceremony |
| April 6 | Last day to purchase regalia |
| April 10 | Last day to register to defend dissertation |
| April 24 | Last day for dissertation/thesis submission for publication |
| May 8 | Last day to submit Degree Completion Survey |
| May 15 | Last day to submit dissertation/thesis revisions |
| May 16 | Last day for completion of degree requirements (Spring candidates) |
Commencement Ceremony Registration
Please review the Commencement Participation Policy to confirm eligibility for Spring and Summer 2026. A link to graduation requirements is available on this page.
Registration is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Students must register their intent to participate in the ceremony by Friday, April 3, 2026 to be included in commencement ceremony materials.
Regalia and Attire
Graduates: Ordering Your Regalia
Academic regalia are the traditional dress for degree candidates and are required for all students participating in CGU’s Commencement Ceremony each May (Note: CGU has one ceremony for Summer, Fall, and Spring graduates). All graduating students participating in commencement are required to wear the official CGU regalia, as approved by the CGU Commencement Committee, and distributed by Gradwear. CGU offers a branded regalia design to help celebrate your accomplishments in style. Please do not borrow regalia from a former student or family member, unless specific arrangements have been approved by the committee.
Visit Gradwear’s website for a complete list of all academic regalia options, including the doctoral package and master’s package.
How to Wear Regalia
Make sure you’re graduation-ready!
Faculty, Trustees, and University Administrators: Regalia for those participating in the platform party
All CGU faculty, Trustees, and University administrators are invited to march in the Commencement procession. Those participating in the procession are included in the platform party and should wear the appropriate regalia.
- Board of Trustees: CGU will provide branded regalia to all trustees
- University Administrators
- President and EVP & Provost: CGU will provide branded regalia
- All other administrators: You are invited to wear regalia from your alma mater or borrow CGU-branded regalia.
- Faculty: You are invited to wear regalia from your alma mater or borrow CGU-branded regalia.The Office of Academic Affairs will reach out to all core faculty, joint faculty who served on dissertation committees of participating graduates, and emeriti faculty to gather RSVPs for participation in the ceremony and inclusion in the platform party. The office will also coordinate regalia needs for anyone requiring borrowed academic attire.
Details on regalia ordering and deadlines will be posted here for faculty and administrators who need to borrow regalia—please check back for updates.
Commencement Attire
The Commencement Ceremony will take place outdoors at Mudd Quadrangle. Although faculty and candidates will process on cemented walkways, candidates and guests will be seated on a grassy field. Candidates will also walk up and down ramps for the conferral of their degree. For your safety, please consider appropriate footwear for the occasion.
Commencement Announcements (Invitations)
Commencement marks a milestone worth sharing. Official university announcements, personalized with your name and degree, honor your achievement and your pride as a graduate. Order your commencement announcements from Claremont Print.
Commencement Photos
Ceremony
Capture YOUR moment with Grad Images, the official photographer of CGU’s Commencement ceremonies. They will take photos of all graduates before they ascend the stage and when they receive their certificate of participation. GradImages will notify graduates using the email provided on the commencement registration form when the photographs are available.
SPECIAL OFFER: If you pre-register with Grad Images, you will receive a 20% savings on your orders. Order now.
Photo Stations
Strike a pose and capture the moment!
Celebratory photo stations will be set up across campus on commencement day, giving graduates plenty of opportunities to capture the excitement of their achievement before and after the ceremony. CGU’s marketing team will be on hand to help you snap fun, memorable photos that will later be available to you, and may also be featured in future CGU promotional materials.
Photos will not be available on the day of commencement. They will be processed and made available to graduates after the ceremony.
Photo Booths
Take home the memory!
Three on-site photo booths will be available on commencement day, offering on-demand small photo prints for graduates, friends, and family. Stop by to snap a photo, strike a pose, and walk away with a keepsake you can cherish long after the celebration ends.
Commencement Gallery
Relive the celebration and explore unforgettable moments from commencement day. A gallery link will be shared so you can view, download, and enjoy photos of yourself and your fellow graduates as you celebrate this milestone together.
Commencement Flowers
Celebrate your commencement with aromatic beauty from a wide range of flowers, gifts, and other items to make your day much more special with The Commencement Group, the official flower vendor of the 99th Commencement ceremonies. You may pick up your flowers and other gifts on the day of Commencement. Order now.
Commencement Diploma and License Plate Frames
Honor your achievement with official university diploma frames designed to preserve and showcase your hard-earned success. Extend your school pride beyond commencement with a CGU license plate frame.
Display it. Drive it. Be proud of it.
Free in-store pick up when you order online. Order from Huntley Bookstore today!
CGU Grad Resource Fair
Graduates are invited to attend the annual CGU Grad Resource Fair on February 18, 2026, where they can take care of all their graduation needs in one place. CGU will host vendors offering regalia, photography services, flowers, and other commencement memorabilia.
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: DesCombes Quad
Address: 160 E. 110th Street, Claremont, CA 91711
Regalia Ordering Event
Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Descombes Quad
Address: 160 E. 110th Street, Claremont, CA 91711
Local Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont
This upscale hotel is just a few minutes from Claremont Graduate University, offering spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a beautiful courtyard with a pool. It’s a convenient choice for visitors seeking comfort and proximity to campus. Visit DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont
Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge
Located in the heart of Claremont Village, this boutique hotel combines stylish, contemporary accommodations with the charm of the local area. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, outdoor fire pits, and easy access to shops and restaurants. Visit Hotel Casa 425
Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center
Situated about 10 minutes from Claremont Graduate University, the Sheraton Fairplex provides spacious suites, a full-service restaurant, and event facilities. It’s an ideal option for those attending conferences or events in the area. Visit Sheraton Fairplex
DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona
Situated just a short drive from Claremont Graduate University, this modern hotel offers stunning views of the Pomona Valley and contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and VITA Italian Bar & Grill and unwind in the outdoor pool. Visit DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona
Hilton Garden Inn Pomona
Located nearby, the Hilton Garden Inn Pomona provides a welcoming atmosphere with well-appointed rooms and modern amenities. Its proximity to Claremont Graduate University makes it an excellent choice for short and extended stays. Visit Hilton Garden Inn Pomona
FAQs
Q: I missed the April 6th deadline to order regalia. Can I still purchase it?
A:
-
Orders placed after April 6 will require expedited shipping, with April 20 being the final deadline for ordering.
-
After April 20, graduates will be directed to contact GradWear directly to purchase regalia and coordinate pickup options. At that point, they will be advised whether their regalia can be shipped, picked up at the warehouse, or picked up the morning of commencement.
-
Graduates who reach out after April 20 will receive individual guidance based on availability and timing from GradWear. Please call or Email GradWear at 866.924.7894 or hello@gradwear.com.
-
Fine regalia will not be available for purchase on commencement day, but it is available for expedited shipping through April 20.
-
Onsite purchases at the Commencement Fair will accept credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Q: Where and when can I buy my regalia?
A: You can order your regalia as early as January 2026 with GradWear and at the on campus Grad Resource Fair on February 18, 2026.
Q: What forms of payment are accepted at the Commencement Resource Fair?
A: Onsite purchases at the Commencement Fair will accept credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Students should note that this is distinct and separate from the submission of the Intent to Receive a Degree Form. The Intent to Receive a Degree Form initiates the administrative review process to confirm that a student will complete all requirements to earn the degree. The Commencement Registration Form only indicates a student’s interest in participating in the ceremony.
Please see the Commencement Participation section of the Registrar’s website for information about the petition process.
Please note that seating is limited, and we typically welcome more than 350 graduates to the commencement ceremony. Each graduate is invited to share this special milestone with family and friends. We kindly ask that you be thoughtful when indicating the total number of guests who will attend the ceremony and reception to ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably.