Commencement Ceremony

Commencement Ceremony Timeline (4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

• 4:00 p.m. – Parking Lots Open / Early Arrival Encouraged
  Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, entry, and seating.
• 4:30 p.m. – Venue Gates Open
  All guest entrances open. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Graduate Check-In and Line-Up
  Graduates report to the West Plaza area to check in, complete name cards, and line up for the processional.
• 5:30 p.m. – Graduate Line-Up Finalized
  All graduates should be in place, lined up, and prepared for the processional.
• 5:45 p.m. – Processional Begins
  Graduates, faculty, and platform party begin the formal processional into the venue.
• 6:00 p.m. – Commencement Ceremony Begins
  The ceremony officially begins with opening remarks, followed by the conferral of degrees and recognition of graduates.
• 7:30 p.m. (Approx.) – Ceremony Concludes
  Closing remarks and final acknowledgments.
• 7:40 p.m. (Approx.) – Recessional
  Graduates and platform party exit the venue in an organized recessional.
• 8:00 p.m. – Event Concludes
  Guests and graduates depart the venue.

Countdown to Commencement, Transfer & Beyond is your one-stop pre-commencement event to prepare, connect, and step confidently into your future. Pick up your regalia, personalize your mortar board, and walk through our transfer spirit tunnel as we cheer you on to your next chapter. This is your moment—come celebrate how far you’ve come and get excited for where you’re headed!

• Pleasant Hill - May 6, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Commons 
• San Ramon - May 7, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commons; 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. inside Learning Commons for the transfer tunnel and celebration

Pleasant Hill Event San Ramon Event

The Commencement Ceremony will proceed as scheduled, rain or shine, at the designated venue. Graduates and guests should dress for the weather, as no indoor alternative or rescheduling is planned. The College will conduct the ceremony safely and will communicate any necessary adjustments in advance.

Guests should plan ahead for parking at Toyota Pavilion at Concord and arrive early, as lots fill up closer to the ceremony. Multiple entrances off Kirker Pass Road will help with traffic flow. Carpooling or ridesharing is encouraged. Parking is free for the event.

For detailed parking directions and lot locations, please visit the official .

Please help us plan for your attendance and the accommodation of your friends and family by completing this brief to let us know if you will be attending the graduation commencement this year.  

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with you! Please RSVP your attendance by May 15. You MUST sign in with your InSite email address to complete the RSVP form.

Refreshments and Vending

A variety of refreshments, including beverages and light snacks, will be available for purchase at the venue.

Dress for the Event

Commencement is outdoors, so dress for the weather and consider layers. Access to and from the stage requires the use of stairs. Graduates should wear comfortable, secure footwear suitable for uneven surfaces, long periods of standing, and navigating stairs.

Diploma Covers

Each graduate will receive one diploma cover during the Commencement Ceremony. Graduates earning multiple degrees who would like additional diploma covers may purchase them at the Book Center beginning one week after the event.

Cap and Gown Purchase

Cap and gown packages will be available for purchase at the Book Center according to the schedule outlined below. For detailed pricing information, please refer to the Cap and Gown Packages section of this webpage.

Graduate Rehearsal and Processional Information

There is no formal rehearsal; graduates are encouraged to attend the Grad Fair on May 6 for important information. On ceremony day, report to the West Plaza at Toyota Pavilion to line up for the processional. Arrive with your completed name card and cap and gown properly worn.

Staff will be available to assist and direct you throughout the processional staging area.

Graduates with Small Children

For the safety and organization of the Commencement Ceremony, children are not permitted in graduate areas or the processional. They must remain seated with and supervised by a guest. Childcare is not provided; please plan ahead.

• Graduation petition status: Carrie Sadighian (Counseling) — csadighian@dvc.edu, 925-969-2144
• Certificate/degree status: Admissions & Records — admissions@dvc.edu
• Commencement info: Angela Parris (Student Services) — aparris@dvc.edu, 925-969-2006
• Accessibility/accommodations: David Hagerty (Disability Support Services) — dhagerty@dvc.edu, 925-969-2176

The College is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible Commencement experience for all . For venue accessibility details, visit the .

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available for guests with mobility needs, including designated wheelchair spaces and companion seating. Seating in these areas is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure availability.

Special Accommodations

Graduates and guests requiring special accommodations—such as sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, or other accessibility services—should submit requests in advance so that arrangements can be made to support their participation.

Venue Access

The venue is ADA-compliant and includes accessible entrances, seating areas, and restrooms. Event staff and ushers will be stationed throughout the facility to assist guests with navigation and seating.

Parking & Drop-Off

Accessible parking is available in designated areas near the main entrances. A guest drop-off location is also available for individuals with limited mobility. Please allow additional time for parking and entry, particularly during peak arrival periods.

Day-of Assistance

Event staff and volunteers will be available at all entrances to provide assistance and direct guests to accessible seating and services as needed.

Contact Information

For questions or to request accessibility accommodations in advance, contact:  David Hagerty, Disability Support Services Manager.

• Email: dhagerty@dvc.edu
• Phone: (925) 969-2176

This year’s commencement program will be fully digital, making it easy to access on your phone and share with family and friends. Simply scan the QR codes posted throughout the event to view the program anytime.

Spring 2026 graduates can view petition status on the Graduation tile on InSite under "Degree and/or Certificate Status". 

Diplomas are mailed mid-August to the student’s physical address on file at Admissions and Records. If your address has changed, please contact our Admissions and Records office as soon as possible at 925-685-1310. 

Graduates must purchase a cap and gown package from the Book Center ($62). Packages are available April 27–May 21 during regular hours (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.).

Graduates are encouraged to purchase early to ensure availability and proper sizing.

DVC merchandise for graduates and their families will be available for purchase at the venue. Guests are encouraged to visit the Book Center on-site to browse and purchase DVC-branded items.