Your Day to Shine

Delta College's 91st annual Commencement ceremony will take place on May 14, 2026. We can't wait to celebrate your achievements! Check this page often for updates.

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Photo of crowd of happy Delta graduates

Save the Date!

Delta College's 91st annual Commencement will take place on May 14, 2026, at Adventist Health Arena in downtown Stockton. Watch this page for news and updates in the weeks and months to come.

Student and Alumni Speakers

Updated March 25th, 2026

Applications for student and alumni speaker have now closed. Thank you for your interest!

Latest Updates 

Last updated: 04/23/2026

IMPORTANT: Second Update on Tickets

Delta College is pleased to share an update regarding the 2026 Commencement Ceremony at Adventist Health Arena. After a recent site walk-through and additional support from the venue, we have identified a way to increase the number of guest tickets available.

Each participating graduate will now be eligible for four (4) guest tickets, an increase from the previously announced three.

We heard your concerns this week, and we understand how important it is to celebrate this milestone with the people who matter most. While we know that for many of you four tickets may still not be enough, we hope this adjustment allows more of your family and friends to be part of this special day.

This year’s graduating class has grown significantly, and our goal is to make sure as many graduates as possible can walk and be recognized, while also expanding access for their guests.

Please note: If you’ve already picked up three tickets, you’re welcome to return to the Bookstore for your fourth. If you haven’t picked up tickets yet, you can collect all four at once. These tickets will be available starting Monday, April 27. We kindly ask that you wait until then before visiting the Bookstore.

Also, due to the proliferation of scammers, please do not attempt to buy, sell or exchange tickets.

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.

Graduation Survey

Please look for and complete the 2026 Graduate Confirmation Survey, which was sent to your Delta College email around April 10. Completion of this survey is required to confirm your participation in the ceremony.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns are now available for purchase at the Delta College Bookstore and online at bookstore.deltacollege.edu/home.

Bookstore Hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Closed on weekends
  • Phone: (209) 954‑5086

Tickets

As noted above, while purchasing regalia at the Bookstore, graduates may also pick up four (4) guest tickets for Commencement.

Please note:

  • Tickets are required for all guests.
  • Children under age 2 do not need a ticket if seated on the lap of an adult.
  • Graduates do not need a ticket to enter the ceremony.
  • We intend to livestream the ceremony for those unable to attend.

Rehearsal

Graduates are highly encouraged to be present at rehearsal so that the ceremony proceeds smoothly. Rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. Additional details will be shared as we get closer.

Gradfest

Get into that Commencement spirit with Gradfest! 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.

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!

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Photo of a student looking toward his family during Commencement

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.

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A student is congratulated after finishing her Delta education

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.

Watch Commencement

A gradute receives her scroll