QUICK LINKS
Event Information
Important Deadlines
Commencement Ceremony Registration
Commencement Receptions
Regalia and Attire
Commencement Photos
Commencement Flowers
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 academic 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.
Event Information
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
Location: 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.
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.
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.
Registration is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
A link to the Commencement Registration Form will be sent by commencement@cgu.edu to the student’s CGU email address when the registration period opens on Monday, March 2nd. Students must register their intent to participate in the ceremony by Friday, April 3, 2026 to be included in commencement ceremony materials.
Students who do not receive this email or are unable to locate this email can also access the form on the Registrar’s Office Forms website.
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!
Cords, Stoles, and Other Accessories
Graduation is a momentous occasion that celebrates years of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Make this day even more special with the perfect graduation accessories from Gradwear. Designed to highlight achievements and add elegance to any graduation attire, their extensive collection offers everything you need to showcase your accomplishments proudly and professionally.
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 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.
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
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:
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Orders placed after April 6 will require expedited shipping, with April 20 being the final deadline for ordering.
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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.
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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.
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Fine regalia will not be available for purchase on commencement day, but it is available for expedited shipping through April 20.
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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.