Stanford
Commencement
Advanced Degree candidates line up for a photo together.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below will be updated as we have new information to share with our graduates and their family members. In the interim, please email commencement@stanford.edu or call and leave a message on the Commencement phone line: 650-725-9807.

Updated as of August 16, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions - Class of 2020

GENERAL QUESTIONS

ELIGIBILITY

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION

LOGISTICS

SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions - Class of 2021

Frequently Asked Questions - Class of 2020

GENERAL QUESTIONS

When is the rescheduled in-person commencement ceremony for 2020 Stanford graduates?
We will honor 2020 graduates with an in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 11th, 2022.

Will the ceremonies for 2020 graduates and 2022 graduates be combined?
No. Each class will have its own ceremony in the Stanford Stadium as well as separate Baccalaureate ceremonies and separate Senior Dinner on the Quad events. Other gatherings throughout the weekend may be conducted jointly with 2022 graduates.

ELIGIBILITY

Can I participate?
All graduates from academic years 2020 and 2021 who would like to attend may do so. Registration will be required closer to the date.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

When will the detailed schedule be announced?
A more detailed schedule will be available closer to the date.

When should I plan to arrive at Stanford?
Activities for 2020 graduates will begin in the afternoon on Friday, June 10th.

Will there be departmental and school gatherings?
Yes. Gatherings will be organized by the Schools and Departments. Gatherings for 2020 graduates may be combined with those for 2022 graduates. More information will be forthcoming closer to the date.

Will there be a Baccalaureate ceremony?
Yes, separate Baccalaureate ceremonies will be held for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2022.

Will there be a Senior Dinner on the Quad?
Yes, we are pleased to announce that the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2022 will each have the opportunity to enjoy its own Senior Dinner on the Quad, hosted by the Stanford Alumni Association. Details and schedule will be announced closer to the date.

Will there be a Wacky Walk?
Yes!

I am a Law School graduate. How can I find out further information about plans related to my class?
Please note that the Law School will be in touch with the graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 in September with more details about plans for each class.

REGISTRATION

Do I need to register to attend?
Yes, all graduates will need to register to participate in the in-person ceremony and other activities. Information about registration will be sent to all eligible graduates closer to the date.

LOGISTICS

I am a 2020 graduate. Where will I stay?
Please stay tuned for additional information in the coming weeks about accommodation options.

I am a family member/friend of a graduate. Where can I find information about lodging?
Links to listings of accommodations in the Bay Area can be found on our lodging page. While there is no official discounted Commencement guest rate, many hotels in the immediate vicinity may offer a special rate for Stanford visitors.

Will Stanford provide financial assistance to travel back to campus or for meals throughout the weekend?
Stay tuned for more information about financial support for those with need.

Will a cap and gown (regalia) be required?
Yes, regalia will be required for all graduates participating in the in-person ceremony and will be available to order online through the Stanford Bookstore in the spring. A link to order regalia will be posted when it is available.

How do I request an accommodation for a disability?
The Diversity & Access Office coordinates all disability-related accommodations for all Commencement activities. As the ceremony approaches, if you need access information and/or accommodations, please contact the Diversity & Access Office directly at disability.access@stanford.edu.

SAFETY

What COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place for the ceremony?
Stanford is committed to taking all necessary precautions and following all state guidelines to ensure a safe event. Details about specific safety precautions will be provided as the date approaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Class of 2021

If I was eligible to graduate in 2021 but was unable to attend this year’s in-person ceremony, will I be able to attend a future ceremony?
2021 graduates who would like to attend a future ceremony will be invited to participate in the rescheduled in-person Commencement for 2020 graduates. In the meantime, please update your alumni contact information here to receive information once it becomes available.

Will there be another ceremony for 2021 graduates?
Since we were able to celebrate 2021 graduates in person in June 2021, the University will not hold a second in-person commencement ceremony for 2021 graduates. 2021 graduates who would like to do so may attend the 2020 ceremony on June 11, 2022, and other activities that weekend.

Where can I obtain a copy of the programs for the 2021 ceremonies?
The printable ceremony program links are listed below:
Saturday, June 12: Advanced Degree Ceremony Program
Sunday, June 13: Senior Class of 2021 Ceremony Program

Is there a list of 2021 graduates and their degrees?
Yes, the printable list of the Conferred Degrees and Degree Candidates 2020-21 can be found here.

When will I receive my diploma?
2021 diplomas will be mailed after degree conferral. Diploma distribution information can be found here.

I missed the livestream. Where can I view the advanced degree or senior class ceremonies?
The recordings of the livestreamed ceremonies can be viewed here.

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