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Watch Commencement directly on YouTube
Latest Updates
Last updated: 05/14/2026
Congratulations Graduates!
IMPORTANT: Tickets Update
We’re happy to share that we are making available additional tickets! Graduates will now be eligible for a total of five (5) tickets each. If you do not yet have five tickets, you can visit the Bookstore to pick them up.
With a record number of graduates this year, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this growth in our ceremony. We remain committed to providing a meaningful, safe, and inclusive celebration, and we look forward to honoring the Class of 2026 and all you’ve accomplished.
IMPORTANT: Commencement Day update
To create additional seating at the Arena, graduates on Commencement Day will first report to the Stockton Civic Auditorium, at 525 N. Center Street, two blocks east of Adventist Health Arena. This is an important change from past Commencement ceremonies.
ARRIVAL: Check-in at the Civic Auditorium will begin at 4 p.m. Please arrive no later than 4:15 p.m. to ensure we have time to process all grads before the ceremony. You can be dropped off at the Center Street entrance, or, if you are driving, you’ll need to park in the parking garage or parking lots near the arena and walk to the Civic Auditorium (see map below).
CHECK-IN: After arriving at the Civic Auditorium, you will check in for Commencement. The auditorium is air conditioned and water will be provided while you wait. You may not leave the Civic Auditorium once you have arrived. Do not bring bags, as the Arena does not allow them and they cannot be left at the Civic Auditorium.
PROCESSION TO ARENA: As the start of the ceremony draws closer, you will be directed to line up and walk from the Civic Auditorium to the Arena. Delta College staff will be available to help direct you, and signs will be in place. For your safety, Stockton police will close Fremont Street during this time.
MOBILITY: If you need assistance traveling from the Civic Auditorium to the Arena, please fill out this form ahead of time: bit.ly/SJDC2026
ARENA ENTRANCE: As has been the case in past commencements, you will enter the Arena through the south doors (closest to the water) and proceed through security.
Please wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the Arena. Slip-on footwear will be available for graduates who would like additional stability and support during the walk to the Arena.
Again, do not bring bags with you, as the Arena does not allow them and they cannot be left at the Civic Auditorium and make sure you are well hydrated.
Additional Information
Please read the following information carefully for more specifics about Commencement!
Each graduate may receive up to five (5) guest tickets at the Delta College Bookstore when you pick up your cap and gown.
- Do not attempt to sell, purchase, or exchange tickets.
- Children under 2 do not need a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap.
- Strollers are not permitted.
- For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available at deltacollege.edu/commencement
Get into that Commencement spirit with Grad Fest! Decorate your cap, get some swag and snacks, and join the Alumni Association. Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Danner Hall.
Graduates must arrive for Commencement wearing their caps and gowns, which can be purchased at the Delta College Bookstore.
- Caps should be worn level, with tassels on the right.
- Gowns must be zipped.
- Eligible students should wear honors regalia.
- Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. (please arrive by 3 p.m.)
- Location: Adventist Health Arena, 248 W. Fremont St.
- Attendance is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth ceremony.
- Caps and gowns are not required.
- Please do not bring guests.
- Check-in for Graduates: Civic Auditorium, (525 N. Center St.) will begin at 4:00 p.m. Please arrive no later than 4:15 p.m. to ensure we have time to process all grads before the ceremony.
- Family and Guest: Adventist Health Arena (248 W Fremont St.) Cermeony Startat 6:00 p.m. Doors open for guest at 4:30 p.m.
- $15 on Commencement day; free for rehearsal
- Available in the Arena garage and lots north of Fremont Street
- Do not park at the Stockton Ballpark
- Lots open at 4 p.m. on Commencement Day
- Carpooling is encouraged
- Commencement Day Road Closures:
Fremont St. will be close between the Civic Auditorium and Adventist Health Arena and Madison St. Between Oak and Fremont St. between 5:15 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for graduates to walk to the Arena. You may enter the parking garage from Van Buren St. during that time.
All attendees must pass through security screening.
- No bags or purses of any size are allowed
- All items are subject to inspection
Bags, purses, 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 (phones are OK), weapons and dangerous devices of any kind, balloons, selfie sticks, camelbacks, e-cigarettes, backpacks & duffle bags, large bags/purses, and any other items deemed unacceptable by the arena management. The Adventist Health Arena does not allow pets inside the facility.
- Certified service animals
- Baby food
- Diaper/medical bags (case-by-case)
- Flowers
- We suggest eating a light meal before arriving
- Water will be provided while waiting to check in
- Arena concessions open for guests from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- No outside food or beverages allowed
- Completed at Civic Auditorium check-in
- Must be carried with you to the stage
- Professional photos by Grad Images
- Proofs available after the event at http://www.gradimages.com
- Guests may take photos from seating areas only
- No tripods or cords allowed
- Not distributed at the ceremony
- Mailed after all requirements are verified
- Graduates receive a ceremonial scroll at the event
Based on cumulative GPA:
- 4.00: Highest Honors
- 3.70–3.99: High Honors
- 3.30–3.69: Honors
- 3.00–3.29: Honorable Mention
Tassel Colors
- 3.50–4.00: Gold/black
- 3.00–3.49: Silver/black
- Below 3.00: Black
Important Notes:
- Summer 2025 grads: GPA at end of summer determines honors
- Fall 2025/Spring 2026: GPA as of Fall 2025 is used
- Spring grades do not impact honors for Commencement
- Candidates granted special permission to walk will receive black tassels
- Available at rehearsal and ceremony
- Graduates may contact Roy Juarez at (209) 954-5078
- Guests may request help from ushers onsite
- Platform Party exits first, followed by faculty
- Please remain standing while faculty are recessing
- Graduates exit under staff direction to meet guests outside
- May be brought in or purchased in the lobby
- Proceeds support student scholarships
- Email info@deltacollege.edu
Eligibility for Commencement
To participate in Commencement, you must be graduating with an associate degree, and you must have applied for graduation for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026.
The deadline to apply for graduation for Spring 2026 was March 27, 2026.
If you applied for graduation, watch your email for more information about Commencement in the weeks to come!
Special Celebrations
Some Delta College programs host what we refer to as "special celebrations" at the end of the academic year. These celebrations are not to be confused with Commencement itself. Both the special ceremonies and Commencement are optional; you can attend one or both if you like.
Please contact the specific program or cohort for information about other ceremonies that are happening for graduates.
Relive the Memories
Watch Delta's 90th annual Commencement ceremony to relieve the day, or to get a sense of what to expect if you have not participated in Commencement before.
