Instructions for Spring 2026 doctoral/terminal students
We look forward to your participation in the Spring 2026 Graduate University Commencement. The event is scheduled for at at The Pit.
When to arrive
- Arrive between and , and allow plenty of time to park.
- The ceremony will begin promptly at and you must be checked in before then.
Where to park
- Park in the large lot to the west of The Pit, accessible from Avenida Cesar Chavez west of University.
- Doctoral and terminal students need to enter the building at the northwest corner.
- If you carpooled with them, your family and guests will not be able to enter these doors with you, but can enter near through the ADA entrance at the southwest corner.
What to bring
- Your regalia (available at the bookstore), comfortable shoes, and a smile!
- Please do not bring personal belongings that you cannot carry with you through the entire ceremony. You will not have anywhere to store them.
Prohibited items
The following items are prohibited in The Pit:
- Artificial noise-makers such as air horns
- Signs, banners, and poles
- Any bags that do not comply with the clear bag policy
- Outside food and beverages other than one 32oz or smaller sealed water bottle
- Glass containers or items
- Smoking or any tobacco use, including vapes, snuff, and chewing tobacco
- Thrown objects
- Helium balloons
- Weapons of any kind
What you'll do when you get there
- You will find a long row of tables with cards on them, organized first by school or college, and then by last name.
- Look for signs on the ceiling to find your school or college, then look nearby on the tables for a card with your name on it.
- You will then keep that card with you and sit in the bleachers until you are directed to line up and process into the ceremony.
- When you cross the stage someone will take your card from you and read your name off of it.
- If you can't find your card there will be volunteers who can assist you.
What time it ends
- The ceremony is expected to end by but may run longer or shorter.
- Please remain seated through the full ceremony, even after you walk, out of respect for the accomplishments of all the graduates attending.
- If you are making plans for after the ceremony, make sure to account for traffic leaving the event.
Diplomas
- Signing up on this site is not necessary to receive your diploma.
- You will not receive your diploma at Commencement, you will get a complementary diploma cover.
- Official diplomas are mailed by the Office of the Registrar 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester.
- More information about requesting your diploma
- If there are questions regarding diplomas or transcripts, students should contact the Office of the Registrar at (505) 277-8900 or by email at .
Accessibility and safety
- Requests for accessibility accommodations for students can be made when registering, or contact the Office of the University Secretary at (505) 277-4664 for more information. For information about guest accommodations see Family/guest instructions.
- Students who require accessibility accommocations should report to the Pete McDavid Lounge on the Southeast corner of the Arena. Volunteers there will check you in and escort or assist you to your seat.
- First Aid is located on the Southeast corner of the Arena's concourse level.
- EMS and Police/Security are housed in the building's command post at the Northwest corner of the concourse level.
- There are no elevators that go all the way to the floor of the Arena. If you need access to an elevator, please go to the Pete McDavid Lounge at the Southeast corner of the Arena, and someone will escort you.