Commencement Q&A
Last updated: 03/26/2024
Q: What do I have to do in order to walk at Commencement?
A: Make sure you apply for graduation by April 12, 2024! This is mandatory for anyone who wants to participate in Commencement. Don’t wait until the last minute – apply today!
Q: How do I apply for graduation?
A: You can apply for graduation in MyDelta. Instructions and a video are available here: https://deltacollege.edu/application-degrees-and-certificates
Q: Why is it important to apply for graduation?
A: If you plan to earn a degree, you must first apply for graduation so that Delta College can determine whether you have successfully completed the requirements for that degree. If you don’t apply for graduation by the April 12 deadline, you will not be able to participate in Commencement and you will not receive a degree from Delta College.
Q: I have applied for graduation. Will I get my degree at Commencement?
A: No. Classes don’t end until early May, and it takes Delta College additional time to evaluate thousands of degree applications and ensure students have met the requirements for their degrees. At Commencement you will receive an honorary scroll, but your actual degree will come in the mail at a later date once your application for graduation has been approved. Please note that due to the number of applicants applying for graduation, it may take a couple of months before you receive your degree in the mail. You also have the option of ordering an “eDiploma”. More info here: https://deltacollege.edu/diploma-replacement-and-ediploma-online
Q. I have applied for graduation. What else do I need to do?
A. In late March or April you will receive an email asking you to complete a graduate survey and to RSVP for the Commencement ceremony. This survey helps us know how many graduates plan to attend. It’s very important that you keep a close eye on your email for additional updates as Commencement draws closer.
Q. When can I pickup my Cap and Gown?
A. Starting in late April or early May, you will be able to purchase your cap, gown, and tassel at the Delta College Bookstore or order online at bookstore.deltacollege.edu/home. The College will announce when caps and gowns are available; please do not come to the Bookstore until you have received that announcement. When you come to the Bookstore, you will also be able to pick up six Commencement tickets for your guests. Bookstore hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed weekends. Phone (209) 954–5086.
Q. When is the commencement rehearsal?
A. Graduates are highly encouraged to be present at rehearsal so that the ceremony proceeds smoothly. You must also attend rehearsal in order to obtain two extra Commencement tickets for your guests (in addition to the six tickets you will receive at the Bookstore when you pick up your regalia). For rehearsal, arrive at the Adventist Health Arena by 3:00 p.m.; please do not be late! Caps and gowns are not necessary at rehearsal. Parking is free for rehearsal and $15 on the day of Commencement. See Parking Information & Map for further details. Please do not bring family members or friends to rehearsal.
Q. Ticket Requirements
A. Tickets are required for guests at the Commencement ceremony. You can get up to six (6) tickets for your guests when you pick up your cap and gown at the Delta College Bookstore. You can obtain an additional two (2) tickets by attending rehearsal. Tickets are not required for children under the age of 2 years if children are held on the lap of an accompanying adult. Graduates do not need a ticket for entry. (Please do not attempt to sell, purchase, or exchange tickets.)
Q. Parking
A. There is no cost for parking on the day of rehearsal. Parking will be $15 on the day of Commencement. See Parking Info. & Map for further details. Street parking is free. The City of Stockton parking fee is $15 per vehicle in the West Fremont Street parking lot (across the street from the Stockton Ballpark), and in the parking garage (adjacent to the Arena). We encourage you to consider carpooling. Parking lots open at 4:00 p.m. Please do not park in the Stockton Ballpark parking lot.