Save the Date for Commencement 2026 and Graduation Eligibility Information
Monday, December 8, 2025, 10:01amTO: Students participating in Commencement 2026
FR: 2026 Commencement Logistics Committee
As the winter break approaches, we invite all students who completed their degrees in Fall 2025, and those who will be graduating in Spring and Summer 2026, to begin planning conversations with parents, family members, and loved ones who may want to participate in upcoming Commencement celebrations.
Save the Date
The 2026 Commencement ceremonies will take place at the Green Music Center on Saturday, May 23, 2026 and Sunday, May 24, 2026. Ceremony dates and times for each academic college are listed below. A list of colleges and majors can also be found on the Commencement website.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
9 a.m. - College of Science, Technology, and Business (Ceremony A)
Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
1 p.m. - College of Science, Technology, and Business (Ceremony B)
Biochemistry
Biology
Master of Science in Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Earth Science
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Geology
Kinesiology
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Physical Science
Physics
Bi-Disciplinary Mathematics
Applied Statistics
Statistics
5 p.m. - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies
Master of Arts in Counseling
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Studies
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
American Multicultural Studies
Chicano and Latino Studies
Master of Arts in Spanish
Spanish
Liberal Studies
Credential Candidates
Sunday, May 24, 2026
9 a.m. - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (Ceremony A)
Anthropology
Master of Arts in Cultural Resources Management
Master of Science in Cultural Heritage and Resources Management
Dance
Human Development
Art History
Art Studio
Psychology
Sociology
Theatre Arts
1 p.m. - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (Ceremony B)
Cinematic Arts and Technology
Communication Studies
Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
Environmental Science, Geography, and Management
Environmental Studies, Geography, and Planning
English
Master of Arts in English
Global Studies
History
Master of Arts in History
Music
Philosophy
Political Science
Master of Public Administration
Women's and Gender Studies
Graduation Eligibility & Application Process
You are eligible to participate in Commencement 2026 if you meet any of the following:
- Graduated in Fall 2025
- Have applied for graduation in Spring 2026
- Have applied for graduation in Summer 2026
If you haven’t graduated or applied to graduate, and have questions about the process, please visit the Office of the Registrar website for additional information.
If you believe you should be considered for an exception to participate in Commencement 2026, please email [email protected], with your name, major, student ID, and graduation plans. Your request will be reviewed and you will receive a response from the appropriate school within 10 days.
Commencement is a celebratory ceremony honoring our annual graduates. Participation is optional and does not confirm you have officially graduated from SSU. Your degree is officially awarded after final grades are posted and all degree requirements are verified as complete by the end of the semester in which you applied. Click here for more information on how to apply to graduate.
The ARR (Academic Requirements Report) determines a student's graduation eligibility and the current “graduation status” is listed at the top left corner of the ARR. If you have questions or concerns about your graduation status, please contact your graduation team specialist in the Office of the Registrar.
Fall 2025 Grads
If you plan to participate in the 2026 Commencement ceremonies, please keep your sonoma.edu email account active. Important updates and instructions will be sent throughout the spring semester.
2026 Cultural Graduation Celebrations
In addition to the university Commencement ceremony, five Cultural Graduation Celebrations will be held in Spring 2026. Students and families are welcome to attend these celebrations in addition to their school ceremony. Registration for student participants and for faculty and staff volunteers opens January 26, 2026, and will close on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Grad Fair
Please mark your calendars for the annual Grad Fair. This is the big one-stop Commencement and graduation event that SSU grads do not want to miss!
February 25-26, 2026
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
University Store Lounge
Student Center, Second Floor
Finally, staff and faculty are copied on this message so that they, too, may plan to join you in the celebration of your graduation.