Commencement

88th Annual Commencement

Congratulations to the 2,715 graduates with 1,904 graduating with honors, completing 3,782 degree and 647 Certificates of San Joaquin Delta College's 88th Annual Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023 that took place on May 18, 2023 at the Stockton Arena!

Re-watch the event!

Additional Information

Dated 05/15/2023

Caps and gowns. Caps, gowns, and tassels are available for purchase at the Delta College Bookstore, both online and in-store. Other Commencement accessories such as degree holders are also available for purchase. Bookstore hours are 7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fridays. Or 24/7 at bookstore.deltacollege.edu.

Guest Tickets. Tickets are required for guests two (2) years of age and older at the Commencement ceremony. Up to five (5) tickets per graduate for friends/family will be available for pickup at the Delta College Bookstore. Tickets can be picked up at the same time as caps and gowns. Up to three (3) additional tickets will be available at rehearsal on Wednesday May 17, 2023.

Link to Graduation Items at the Delta College Bookstore

We look forward to sharing more info with you soon!

Make sure you let us know how you're celebrating! Take a photo or video, tag us and use the hashtags:

#DeltaClassOf2023
#DeltaCollegeGrad
#MadeAtDeltaCollege

Time

88th Annual Commencement Ceremony
6-8 p.m. - Thursday, May 18, 2023

Location

Stockton Arena
248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

View the 2023 Commencement Program

Other Special Graduation Ceremonies

Last Update: May 2, 2023

Ceremony	Date	Time	Location
Phoenix Project Ceremony	Thursday, May 4, 2023	6:00PM	DANNER HALL
Student Art Exhibition Reception and Awards Ceremony	Thursday, May 4, 2023	5:30 PM	TONY FITCH (NORTH) FORUM
La Raza (LREA) Graduation	Monday, May 8, 2023	6:00 PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
Veterans Graduation	Tuesday, May 9, 2023	12:00PM	DELORES HUERTA PLAZA
Torch of Excellence Ceremony	Wednesday, May 10, 2023	5:30PM	TILLIE LEWIS THEATRE
CalWORKs & EOPS Student Recognition Celebration	Thursday, May 11, 2023	6:00 PM	DANNER HALL (Tent)
EPIC Learning Community Cohort 8 Graduation & 31st Annual APIASA Scholarship Awards Banquet	Friday, May 12, 2023	5:00PM	OFF CAMPUS (China Palace)
Lavender Graduation	Friday, May 12, 2023	5:30 PM	TONY FITCH (NORTH) FORUM and QUAD
CTE Certificate Ceremony	Friday, May 12, 2023	6:00PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
AANHPI Graduation	Saturday, May 13, 2023	10:00 AM	TILLIE LEWIS THEATRE
1st Annual Political Science Graduation, Recognition, & Civic/Community Impact Awards Dinner Reception	Tuesday, May 16, 2023	5:30 PM	OFF CAMPUS (China Palace)
Black Graduation Ceremony	Tuesday, May 16, 2023	6:00PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
ADN (Nursing) Spring 2023 Pinning Ceremony	Wednesday, May 17, 2023	6:00PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
Caterpillar Graduation	Thursday, May 18, 2023	10AM-1PM	SHIMA 110-112
Delta College 88th Commencement Ceremony	Thursday, May 18, 2023	6:00PM	OFF CAMPUS (Stockton Arena)
Middle College (MCHS) Graduation	Friday, May 19, 2023	6:00PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Pinning Ceremony	Thursday, May 25, 2023	5:00PM	TILLIE LEWIS THEATRE
Summer 2023 Psych Tech Pinning Ceremony	Wednesday, June 21, 2023	6:00PM	ATHERTON AUDITORIUM
October POST Graduation	Tuesday, October 31, 2023	10:00AM	TBA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Important security information

All grads and guests entering the arena will pass through security checkpoints.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED: No purses or bags of any size, except diaper bags. No Bottles or cans, food coolers, outside food/beverages, strollers, frisbees and beach balls, laser pointers, any noise making devices (i.e. air horns, whistles, drums, etc.), fireworks, illegal drugs and alcohol, audio/video recording devices, weapons and dangerous devices of any kind, balloons, selfie sticks, camelbaks, e-cigarettes, backpacks and duffle bags, large bags/purses, and any other items deemed unacceptable by the arena management. The Stockton Arena does not allow pets inside the facility.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ALLOWED:
- Certified service animals, wearing their service apparel
- Baby food
- Diaper bags

2. Rehearsal – Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 3:30pm

Graduates are highly encouraged to be present at rehearsal so that the ceremony proceeds smoothly. Arrive at the Stockton Arena by 3:30 p.m. for the rehearsal; please do not be late! Caps and gowns are not necessary at rehearsal. Parking is free for rehearsal and $10 on day of Commencement. See Parking Information & Map for further details. Please do not bring family members or friends to rehearsal.

3. Commencement Ceremony – Thursday, May 18, 2023

We encourage you to eat at least a light meal before arriving at the arena. Graduates must arrive in caps and gowns at the Stockton Arena by 4:15 p.m. and enter through the SOUTH DOORS (the same doors used at rehearsal). Family and friends are not allowed in the graduate staging area. The processional for graduates will begin at 5:45 p.m. and the Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Graduates are expected to remain until released at the close of the ceremony at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Remember!

Do Not Be Late - Late students will be placed at the end of the line.
Personal Property - You will not be returning to the graduate assembly area. Please leave all bags, purses, cell phones and other personal belongings in the car or with relatives or friends. (You do not want to carry items during the processional). We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Caps and Gowns - Caps should be worn level and straight, with tassels to the right. Gowns should be zipped up. Honors regalia should be worn by any students eligible for honors. (See information under #4).
Interpreter Services will be available for deaf students, faculty, and guests.
Mobility Assistance - Graduates who need mobility assistance can contact Mobility Services Specialist Roy Juarez at (209) 954-5078. Assistance will be available for graduates at the rehearsal and on the evening of Commencement.
Recessional - At the close of the ceremony, the Platform Party (college dignitaries) will exit first, followed by the faculty. Please remain standing at your seat while faculty are recessing. Graduates will follow usher directions and exit out of the arena to meet up with their guests.

4. Caps and gowns

You can purchase your cap, gown, and tassel at the Bookstore or order online at SJDC-Bookstore-CapGownTassel We encourage you to order/pick up your cap and gown (distributed along with 5 tickets for your guests) as soon as possible. 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.

5. Filling out a name card

Graduates participating in Commencement will need to check in at the grad tables in the Arena. Staff will provide directions regarding where to line up and fill out a reader card for their names to be called out. You will write down your name in phonetic pronunciation so that your name is called out correctly.

6. Parking

There is no cost for parking on the day of rehearsal. Cost will be $10 on day of Commencement. See Parking Information & Map for further details. Street parking is free. The City of Stockton parking fee is $10 per vehicle in the East Fremont Street parking lot (across the street from the Arena), and in the parking garage (adjacent to the Arena). We encourage you to consider carpooling.

Parking lots open at 4:00 p.m. See Parking Information & Map for further details.

Please note the following information regarding parking for the event. Plan accordingly as there will be extra traffic in the area:

Stockton Ports Baseball Game, 7pm on Thursday May 18^th. Please do not park in the Baseball parking lot.
Commencement Guests, please park in the designated parking areas or along the streets as allowed.
Stockton Police Department will be directing traffic outside of the Arena area. Please follow their instructions.
A-Frame signage will be displayed to direct you as necessary.

Link to Parking Map

7. Tickets

Tickets are required for guests two (2) years of age and older at the Commencement ceremony.

If you haven’t already, you can get up to five (5) tickets for your guests when you pick up your cap and gown at the Delta College Bookstore (SJDC-Bookstore-CapGownTassel).

Up to three (3) additional tickets will be available at rehearsal on Wednesday, May 17, 2023

8. Guests Information

Doors will open promptly at 4:30 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-served. Guests should be seated no later than 5:30 p.m. The processional for graduates will begin at 5:45 p.m. and the Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Guests will not be able to see the graduates in advance of the ceremony. Graduates and guests should decide in advance on a place to meet outside after the ceremony.

9. Special seating/mobility assistance for ADA guests

Guests should request assistance from one of the ushers as they enter the Arena.

10. Concessions

Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Arena from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. No outside food or beverages are permitted in the Arena.

11. Flowers

Flowers can be brought into the Arena. Flowers can also be purchased in the lobby. Proceeds are donated to a student scholarship fund.

12. Photos

Professional photography will be provided by GradImages. Individual photographs will be taken of graduates by the ramps and before they get on stage. . A photo package will be offered for sale to each graduate after Commencement. Proofs can be viewed at www.gradimages.com. A link will be on Delta’s website at www.deltacollege.edu/commencement after graduation.

Photographs may be taken by family and friends from the seating areas only. Although cell phone and small hand-held video cameras will be allowed, no tripods or cords are allowed. (See information under #1)

13. Diplomas

Graduates will not receive their actual diplomas at the ceremony. Official diplomas will be mailed to graduates after all eligibility requirements have been verified. At Commencement, graduates will receive a congratulatory scroll.

14. Honors and tassel colors

Graduation honors levels are determined by cumulative grade point average (GPA). GPA computation for graduation with honors and other awards uses all course work. The designation is reflected on each student’s transcript and diploma. (4.00–Highest Honors, 3.70–3.99 High Honors, 3.30–3.69 Honors, 3.00–3.29 Honorable Mention).

a. If you are a Summer 2022 graduate, your cumulative GPA at the end of the Summer 2022 semester determines the tassel color.

b. If you are a Fall 2022 graduate or Spring 2023 candidate, the tassel color is determined by your cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall 2022 semester, including all AA/AS applicable courses from other colleges. Fall 2022 GPA is used as the determining criteria even if grades for Spring 2023 are posted before the Commencement ceremony. No exceptions. If you were granted special permission to walk as a candidate, you will receive a black tassel regardless of your GPA.

c. When you pick up your cap, gown, and tassel, your GPA will be available at the Bookstore and will determine your tassel color as follows:

Graduates with a GPA of 3.50-4.00 receive a gold and black tassel.
Graduates with a GPA of 3.00-3.49 receive a silver and black tassel.
Graduates with a GPA below 3.00 receive a black tassel.

15. COVID-19

a. If you are sick or have been experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with someone known to be or suspected to have been infected with COVID-19 within the last 10 days, or are subject to a quarantine or isolation order, please stay home and do not attend the ceremony.

b. Delta College will have masks and hand sanitizer available upon request.

More questions? Email info@deltacollege.edu