Everything you need to know about 麻豆传媒映画 Commencement 2026
Ahead of commencement, key information for students and their guests from the people who know the campus best.
From ceremony schedules to tickets, parking to photos, livestreams and commencement traditions, here鈥檚 an easy guide to navigate 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 127th commencement ceremonies.
The Class of 2026 commencement ceremonies span four days, May 14鈥�17, at 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Viejas Arena. A separate ceremony will be held on May 14 at 麻豆传媒映画 Imperial Valley.
This year, more than 13,600 麻豆传媒映画 students are candidates for graduation, the largest group in the university鈥檚 history, including more than 200 doctoral students.
Ceremonies by College
Thursday, May 14
麻豆传媒映画 at Viejas Arena
8 a.m. Graduate Studies 1
1 p.m. Graduate Studies 2
麻豆传媒映画 Imperial Valley at Rollie Carillo Quad
7 p.m. All Graduates
Friday, May 15
8 a.m. Fowler College of Business 1
1 p.m. College of Arts and Letters
5 p.m. College of Education/IS3D
Saturday, May 16
8 a.m. Fowler College of Business 2
1 p.m. College of Sciences
5 p.m. College of Engineering
Sunday, May 17
9 a.m. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
2 p.m. College of Health and Human Services
View Ceremony Broadcast Online
All ceremonies will be streamed live online on both the 麻豆传媒映画 and sites. All ceremonies will also stream on Facebook Live through the 麻豆传媒映画 .
Valid ID Required
As part of the university鈥檚 proactive safety and security measures, all students participating in commencement are required to present their 麻豆传媒映画 RedID card or a valid, government-issued picture ID in order to be admitted to Viejas Arena.
Students who do not bring a valid ID to Viejas Arena will not be allowed to participate in commencement.
Viejas Arena Graduate Assembly
Check the for the appropriate date and time of each ceremony
Assemble in , across from Parking Structure 12, north of Viejas Arena.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before the processional start time, unless otherwise noted for your college. See .
College representatives will help to organize you in the correct processional line according to your major.
Family and Guests
Viejas Arena doors open one hour before the start of each ceremony..
Guests should allow ample time to park and find their seats. Arriving early allows time to walk the campus grounds and take photos at favorite spots and landmarks.
Ceremony
Audience members should remain seated until the ceremony concludes and meet their graduates at a prearranged location. Out of respect for fellow graduates, students and their guests are encouraged to remain in the arena for the entire ceremony. Please avoid congregating in the immediate area of Viejas Arena to reduce congestion as guests arrive and depart from the ceremonies.
Bag Policy and Prohibited Items
Viejas Arena is a clear bag venue. Bags must be clear plastic or clear vinyl and may not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Small purses, bags, clutches or wallets (clear or non-clear) no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" will be allowed.
All personal items are subject to inspection prior to entry and once inside the venue.
Prohibited items for Commencement include, but are not limited to: large bags/backpacks, strollers, umbrellas, banners, flags and signs larger than 20鈥� x 20鈥�, balloons, weapons, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, noisemakers of any kind, non-service animals, skateboards and roller shoes. These prohibited items are also listed on the section of the Commencement webpage.
Parking and Transportation
Parking Fees
$5 for guests who prepay by 11:59 p.m. the day before their ceremony
$10 on the day of the ceremony
To prepay, use the and enter your license plate number and payment information. Vehicles with an active student or employee parking permit are exempt from the fee. Two vehicles on the same permit cannot be parked on campus at the same time and are subject to citation.
Directions to Viejas Arena
The arena will be at capacity for some ceremonies. Allow at least 20 minutes to reach the arena after parking. Lots 3, 4, 6, 7 and 12 are available for commencement parking; here are instructions to the two biggest options:
From Interstate 8: Take College Avenue exit south to Canyon Crest Drive (first intersection), turn right and continue to .
From State Route 94: Take College Avenue exit north, to Montezuma Road, turn left to 55th Street, then right to .
Alternate route: Take I-8 to Fairmount Avenue exit, then left on Montezuma Road to 55th Street, then left to Parking Structure 7.
Accessibility
Students or guests with a DMV-issued disabled parking permit may park in any ADA, student, faculty or staff, or service or vendor parking spaces on campus. Parking fees apply to ADA parking areas. Placard or plate holders will need to pre-pay or pay upon arrival.
A limited number of wheelchairs will be available at no charge at the start of each commencement ceremony. Visit the page for more information on disabled parking, shuttles, wheelchairs and other accommodations.
Accessing Guest Tickets
Beginning Monday, May 4, candidates for graduation may transfer their guest tickets through their GoAztecs account. Tickets can be transferred to individual guests or collectively to one guest.
Once guests receive their tickets, they should upload their tickets to a smartphone wallet to avoid delays or access issues at Viejas Arena.
Step-by-step instructions on transferring and accepting guest tickets are available at the links below.
Students and guests may contact the Viejas Arena Ticket Office at arenaticketoffice@sdsu.edu with questions regarding guest tickets.
On the day of commencement, guests can check for additional ticket availability at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office. Additional tickets are not guaranteed.
Photography
will photograph each student on stage during the commencement ceremonies. Those students will receive no-obligation proofs via email and text or by postal mail after the event. Prints may be purchased after viewing proofs.
Before the ceremony, candidates for graduation may pre-register by visiting GradImages and using the Pre-Event Email Registration link. Up to six additional email addresses may be added to share proofs.
For more information, visit GradImages or call 800-261-2576.
