University Commencement 2026
The Golden Gate University 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 6, 2026 beginning at 6pm at Davies Symphony Hall.
More event details and ticketing information will be announced soon.
For Questions Regarding Graduation and Commencement
| Topic | Department | Phone | |
| University Commencement Ceremony | Division of Student Success | 415-442-7288 | commencement@ggu.edu |
| Diploma/Certificate Processing and Transcripts | Office of Records and Registration | 415-442-7278 | graduation@ggu.edu |
| Graduation Clearance | Student Advisor | 415-369-5206 | uac@ggu.edu |
| Financial Aid Holds on Student Account | Office of Financial Aid | 415-442-7270 | finaid@ggu.edu |
| Past Due Balance on Student Account | Student Accounting Services | 415-442-7839 | sas@ggu.edu |
| Career Services | Undergraduate and Graduate Career Center | 415-442-7299 | careers@ggu.edu |
| Alumni Services | Alumni Association | 415-442-7820 | alumni@ggu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the commencement ceremonies?
Date: May 6, 2026
Time: Beginning at 6pm
Location: Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
Who is eligible to participate in commencement?
You are eligible to participate if you have or are planning to graduate in the following terms:
- Summer 2025
- Fall 2025
- Spring 2026
- Summer 2026
How many commencement ceremonies does GGU have during the year?
GGU has one commencement ceremony for undergradute and graduate students from the Ageno School of Business, School of Accounting, Braden School of Taxation, School of Law, GGU Worldwide and undergraduate students on May 6, 2026.
How do I know if I will be receiving an honor cord?
- Graduate students: 3.8 or above
- Undergraduate students: 3.5 or above
- Law students: Please see the Law School Student Handbook Page for criteria.
Honor cords will be distributed to those who meet the honors criteria at the end of the Fall 2025 trimester only. Unfortunately, we do not round numbers past the 2nd decimal place.
Honor cords will be distributed at ceremony sign-in. Honors is noted on your diploma and will be based on your GGU GPA after all courses have been completed.
Can Certificate program students participate in the commencement ceremony?
No. The commencement ceremony is designated for doctoral, masters, and bachelors degree students; unfortunately, certificate students are not eligible for this event.
Is it mandatory to attend the commencement ceremony, in order to receive my diploma?
No, it is not. In fact, students do not receive their diploma at the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed to you once you have successfully completed all of your units and applied for graduation. Students at the ceremony receive a certificate of congratulations, but not a diploma.
I was wondering if I could apply my full name to my diploma and what I would like to be announced at the commencement ceremony. What steps I would need to take to make this happen?
Any questions about your diploma should be sent to graduation@ggu.edu.
Does GGU offer graduation pictures? When and where?
Yes, GradImages will be on-site at the commencement ceremony May 6 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm to take your picture in full regalia.
There will also be two pictures taken during the commencement ceremony – as you walk onto the stage and as you exit the stage. These photos are available for purchase from the vendor – GradImages. More information will be sent to you as we get closer to the ceremony.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, friends and family can watch the ceremony remotely on our YouTube channel.
How do I determine my cap size when ordering regalia?
Please use this printable Cap Size Guide to measure your cap size.
Where/How do I get my regalia? To order regalia, please click here: Order Regalia
Order Deadlines: For domestic shipping orders are due by March 31 at 8:59pm PDT, for international shipping orders are due by March 17 at 8:59pm PDT.
Can I pick up the regalia the day of the commencement ceremony?
No, you are required to have your regalia delivered.
Can I order announcements or frames?
We have a limited stock of frames on campus during Campus Week for reduced prices. Check us out March 24-26, 12-5pm in the Bookstore space. No shipping available. Follow this link to create a custom frame order.
How many tickets do I get?
The number of tickets is determined by the number of students who register to participate in the commencement ceremony. For this reason, we cannot tell you how many tickets you will receive until after the registration deadline. Look for an e-mail last week of March to let you know exactly how many tickets are available for each graduate. All students are guaranteed a minimum of four tickets.
I need more than four tickets. How do I get more?
Many of our students would like to bring more than the allowed number of guests. Once all students have had a chance to register, we will notify all graduates that extra tickets are available and how to reserve them. Look for an email letting you know it is time to request extra tickets.
Register Here for Tickets Link Coming Soon
More detailed information about directions and parking can be found here.
Student check-in doors open at 4:00pm. Students must arrive by 5:00pm to check in, line up, and make sure they have properly put on their graduation regalia.
Family and friends may not wait with students while they check in, line up, and proceed to stage. Family and friends should arrive and be seated by 5:30pm so that we may start the ceremony promptly. Guests who have notified us that they will need accommodated seating will be permitted to enter through a separate entrance and encouraged to take their seats between 5:15 and 5:45pm.
The ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00pm and will last about 2 hours. Please stay seated during the entire ceremony unless instructed to do otherwise.
Photography
GradImages will take professional pictures of the ceremony. Guests must remain in their seats and maintain the safety and dignity of this very important event. GradImages will take student photographs as they walk across the stage. On the back of the name card that students receive at check-in, they can indicate a mailing address or e-mail address. GradImages will mail or e-mail students a proof of their picture, which can then be purchased online.
Special Accommodations
If you are attending and need accommodations for you or your guests, such as wheelchair space or extra time to get to their seats, please submit a request. We have requested certain seating arrangements to meet the needs of the guests. If your guests arrive the day of the event without prior arrangements, we cannot guarantee accommodations.
Student Check-in Information
Check-in starts at 4pm. Students should arrive no later than 5:00pm to check in, line up and make sure they have properly put on their graduation regalia. When you arrive, you will be instructed to check-in at a particular table depending on your last name. You will receive a colored card with a name label on it. Beneath the label, you are to write the phonetic spelling of your name to assist the name reader. Please hold on to this card until you hand it over to the name reader during the graduation ceremony.
On the back of the name card is information from the photographer.
After you have checked-in, the staff will direct you to a line up area. Please arrive in your regalia and be all ready to go. Line up for the processional begins at 5:15pm sharp.
Wearing the Cap & Gown
After check-in, you will be directed to the line up area. Staff will be available to help you with your regalia. Please bring safety pins and bobby pins to secure your cap and gown as necessary.
- It is best to have your regalia ironed and ready to go when you arrive.
- Please wear sensible shoes as you will be walking up and down stairs.
- YOU MUST WEAR THE CAP AND GOWN IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.
- For Bachelor’s degrees: Tassels should remain on the RIGHT until directed by President White.
- For Master’s and Doctoral degrees: Tassels should remain on the LEFT since you already have received your undergraduate degree.
Honor Cords
Students who are graduating with Honors or students who have designated a veteran status or International students (F-1 or J-1 Visas) will receive cords to wear during the graduation ceremony.
Eligible students will receive their cords when they check-in at the graduation ceremony.
Purses, Coats, and Other Personal Belongings
There is no place to put your personal belongings in the check-in area. Please bring to the check-in area only what you intend to wear as you walk across the stage, and have your family and friends hold on to any other personal belongings. The staff is not responsible for any lost or left behind items.
Lining Up & Walking
The processional will form at 5:15pm. Graduates will line up in separate lines according to school then degree and program. Within each degree, the students will be lined up alphabetically by using the number labels on their cards. Students are to follow the directions of the marshals. The marshals will direct you into your lines, take you up the stairs and seat you. When it is your turn to receive your degree, the marshals will escort you up to the platform. You then will walk up the stairs, hand your card to the name reader, walk across the stage, receive your scroll, and walk off the stage and down the stairs on the opposite side of the podium. When you are off the platform, the marshals will again direct you back to your seat. Please show respect for your classmates who receive their diplomas after you by remaining quiet and orderly as you leave the stage and are guided back to your seat. You must return to your seat until the recessional.
How do I apply to be one of the student speakers?
You can apply to be one of the student speakers by submitting this application. Following the deadline of February 25, 2026 at 12:00pm PT, we will reach out to schedule a virtual meeting with you sharing your draft speech with the selection committee on March 2 – 5, 2026.
How do I request special accommodations for myself and/or my guests?
To request special accommodations, you will need to submit a request. If you have edits after you have submitted the form, please email commencement@ggu.edu.
How do I get to Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
Please review this guide for your transit options and directions.
When should I arrive?
Arrive early to give you and your family the best experience. The event starts at 6:00pm PT. Lobby doors will open at 5:00pm PT. Auditorium doors and seating will open at 5:30pm. Guests should arrive and be seated by no later than 5:45pm so that we may start the ceremony promptly.
I would like to invite my family from outside the US and they need to get a B-2 Visa to attend the event. How can I get a letter from GGU that supports that I’m graduating and that I’m inviting them to the commencement ceremony?
You need to submit a letter request form. For B-1/B-2 Visa support letters, please email worldwide@ggu.edu. We will try to process the request within three business day and email you the letters to your GGU email.
As a graduate of Golden Gate University, you are a member of the Alumni Association. Visit the alumni website to create an alumni profile, learn more about the exclusive benefits and services and the latest updates, alumni news stories and more. We encourage you to stay connected, share your success stories with us and be an advocate for GGU’s programs and future students and graduates.
Follow the GGU Alumni Association on Facebook to connect with other GGU alumni.
For regalia, rings, frames and announcements, shop at GGU Commencement Store online for yourself or your graduate. For alumni apparel, gifts, collectibles and more, shop at the GGU Bookstore.
We captured some of the stories about our GGU graduates.
