Commencement Staffing and Event Format Details
Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:07amTO: All Employees
FR: 2026 Commencement Logistics Committee
Plans for Commencement 2026, which will take place the weekend of May 23 and 24, are well underway, and as many of you know, graduation is an “all hands on deck” community celebration at Sonoma State University. That custom continues this year, and we look forward to working together as a team to ensure our students have a very special day. Please note that Commencement does fall over Memorial Day weekend this year. Below is an overview of the 2026 Commencement schedule and the expectations for MPP, staff, and faculty participation:
Saturday, May 23, 2026
9 a.m. College of Science, Technology, and Business (Ceremony A)
1 p.m. College of Science, Technology, and Business (Ceremony B)
5 p.m. College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies
Sunday, May 24, 2026
9 a.m. College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts (Ceremony A)
1 p.m. College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts (Ceremony B)
Management (MPP) Employees
MPPs from all divisions (Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Green Music Center, Strategic Enrollment Management, and University Advancement) are expected to work during Commencement. MPPs are expected to work a minimum of eight (8) hours on Saturday, May 23 and/or Sunday, May 24. Those MPPs who cannot participate must request an exception from their respective vice president. Exception approval can be provided to Nicole Hendry at [email protected].
Staff Employees
Some essential staff employees, such as those regularly assigned to work large events (including Facilities staff), will be assigned to work during Commencement unless directed otherwise. These staff members are considered an essential part of the key functions for Commencement and will be granted overtime in the form of CTO by prior arrangement. If you are unsure, please check with your appropriate administrator to determine if you have been assigned to work Commencement. For all other staff, there is no requirement to work at Commencement. Your participation is completely voluntary and extremely appreciated! Please note that the hours worked by extra support staff for Commencement are considered voluntary and as such will not be included in hours worked for the calculation of overtime or CTO.
Faculty Employees
Faculty will be part of the platform party on stage. Regalia will be available again this year. You can expect to spend two to three hours for the ceremony as your assigned work day. The students love to see their faculty as they cross the stage, and meet with faculty afterward to introduce family and friends. Information about the platform party has been posted on the Commencement website.
More information on how to sign up to work during Commencement will be sent out in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions regarding Commencement, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advancement Office at [email protected] or visit the Commencement website. Thank you again for helping make 2026 the best Commencement ever!