May 2023

Dear Stanford graduates,

With your Commencement Weekend just a few weeks away, we are writing to share an update on developments and answer questions about this opportunity to gather and celebrate with classmates, friends and family.

Planning to walk at Commencement in Stanford Stadium on June 18?

Don't forget your student ID! You must have an ID to walk with your classmates. IDs will be scanned at Gate 12, the graduate lineup area, to allow access to the field. If you don't have your ID, you must check in separately at the Student Services desk. Only eligible students/graduates will be allowed in the graduate lineup area, in the ceremony procession and on the field.

Caps & Gowns:

As a reminder, academic attire is required to participate in Commencement and Baccalaureate. Deadlines to order regalia have passed. However, if you did not place an order for regalia online, you will have an opportunity to rent a cap and gown at the Stanford Bookstore beginning June 5.

What’s happening – and when?

The Baccalaureate celebration in the Frost Amphitheater is the first official university gathering of graduates and their families and will be held on Saturday morning, June 17 at 10:00 a.m. The President’s Reception on Saturday afternoon will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. School, department and many other celebrations are scheduled throughout the weekend, highlighted of course by your Commencement ceremony on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Stanford Stadium.

More details are available in the online schedule, which will be updated as the time gets closer.

Planning for the ceremonies - some tips to help you enjoy the day:

Travel Light: Both the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies have specific security policies. Please do not bring bags or items that do not meet the clear bag requirements and read the Public Safety Clear Bag Policy page for additional information.

Visit the Graduates page for other tips and updates on preparing for the weekend.

Who can attend?

Guests are welcome, with no limits and no reservations required for most of the weekend activities, including Baccalaureate and Commencement. Please check here for additional details regarding individual departmental and other ceremonies.

The stadium ceremony will last about two hours (including procession and recession times) and will be held rain or shine. Everyone should expect warm weather and dress accordingly, as the stadium has little to no shade.

Indoor location to view the ceremony:

For family members who wish or need to be in a cooler location and out of the direct sun, a livestream of the ceremony will be available in Maples Pavilion, an air-conditioned venue where plenty of open seating will be available. No tickets or registration required.

Virtual viewing of the ceremonies:

For those who can’t attend in person, the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded for remote viewing. KZSU, Stanford's radio station, will also broadcast the ceremonies live on FM 90.1 and kzsu.stanford.edu.

COVID health and safety protocols:

Finally, a word about helping keep each other safe. Click here for current COVID policies and other important information. Please continue to respect the choices that individuals make about their own masking.

Still have questions?

Please feel free to email commencement@stanford.edu or leave a message at 650-725-9807.

We look forward to celebrating this momentous achievement with you!

Sincerely,
Stanford Commencement Weekend Planning Team