Class of 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Information
Dear Graduates and Guests,
We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Santa Clara University’s Class of 2026 at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. Commencement is a day of celebration to honor the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have brought graduates and their loved ones to this important milestone.
We ask that everyone attending our Commencement events maintain the decorum, respect, and recognition this occasion deserves.
This email contains important information for both graduates and guests regarding Commencement Weekend.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Commencement Liturgy
Friday, June 12, 4:00 p.m., Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Grad Bash
Friday, June 12, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Bellomy Field
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 13, 8:30 a.m., Stevens Stadium
Faculty Reception
Saturday, June 13, immediately following the Ceremony, St. Ignatius/Daly Science Lawns
COMMENCEMENT LITURGY
Graduates and their families are invited to join us for the Commencement Liturgy on Friday, June 12 at 4:00 p.m. in Mission Santa Clara de Asís.
Doors will open at 3:15 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome to attend this non-ticketed event. Overflow seating with screens and audio will be available in the Mission Gardens once the Mission Church is filled to capacity. To inform our planning, please let us know of your intention to join us at the Commencement Liturgy by registering here. A livestream of the Commencement Liturgy can be viewed on the Commencement website. Please note, due to heavy foot traffic on campus, we are unable to provide transportation support to other events on campus after the liturgy.
GRAD BASH
The SCU Alumni Association will host Grad Bash on Bellomy Field on Friday, June 12, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., immediately following the Commencement Liturgy. The celebration will include food, beverages, music, lawn games, and photo ops. Please note that this is a ticketed event, and it is expected to sell out.
A few reminders from the Alumni Association for those attending Grad Bash:
- Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Please have your tickets ready to scan (on your mobile device or printed out). If you plan to use mobile tickets, download them in advance to avoid slow speeds on event day.
- If you have any ticketing issues, Info Booths at each entrance gate will open at 4:30 p.m.
Please visit the Grad Bash website to buy tickets and find information about parking, the menu, the bag policy, and more.
UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Heat Advisory & Safety Information
While we are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2026, please note that high temperatures are expected on Commencement day. As the ceremony will take place outdoors, we encourage all guests to come prepared by wearing sunscreen, bringing a hat or other sun protection, and staying hydrated throughout the event. Complimentary water filling-stations with cups will be available on site.
Guest Tickets
In order to be admitted to the Commencement Ceremony, guests must present a valid Guest Ticket which can be printed, screenshot, or added to your mobile wallet. Children ages 2 and under do not require a ticket for entry. Doors open at 7:15 a.m.
- Each Guest Ticket has its own unique QR code and is required for guest entry. Only one scan per ticket will be allowed. Duplicate scans of the same QR code will not be permitted.
- Re-admittance - those who need to leave once inside the stadium will have their hand stamped by an SCU staff member in order to gain access back into the stadium.
- Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for both field and bleacher seating.
Stage Pass
In order for graduates to have their name read aloud as they cross the stage at the ceremony, graduates must arrive with their Stage Pass, which should be printed and saved as a screenshot on their mobile device, or in their mobile wallet. The Stage Pass is each graduate’s ticket, which has a unique QR code and is required for entry.
Graduate Line Up
Graduates will line up at 7:40 a.m. at the Alameda and Santa Clara Malls near Benson Center. University Staff will be stationed there to assist graduates in lining up by school and line order. Each graduate’s ‘Line Up’ number is listed on their Stage Pass to help guide them properly into the Commencement Ceremony.
Photos
Graduates will have their photo taken by a professional photographer (GradImages) as they cross the stage. These digital proofs will be emailed to graduates 7-10 business days after Commencement with the opportunity to purchase the stage-crossing photos.
Commencement Program
The Commencement program is available for download and viewing on the Commencement website. Guests attending the Commencement Ceremony will be able to access the digital program via QR code which will be provided to guests upon arrival. Printed programs will be placed on all graduates' seats at the Commencement Ceremony. Only graduates deemed eligible to participate in Commencement by April 30 will have their names included in the Commencement program.
ADA Tent
For those requiring extra assistance, an ADA tent will be located on the north end of Stevens Stadium (via the Main Entrance), which will offer extended aisles and rows. These seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To accommodate as many guests as possible requiring ADA seating, each person will be allowed one companion seat.
The ADA drop-off area can be accessed through the Main Entrance at 500 El Camino Real. Signage and staff will be on the corner of Palm Drive and Sherman Street near Charney Hall.
Please note that the University does not provide wheelchairs for guests attending Commencement. Should you need to rent a wheelchair, we recommend contacting Bischoff’s Medical & Mobility at (408) 286-6651 or Brannon's Medical at (408) 448-3000.
Locatelli Cooling Center
We are also happy to offer ticketed guests the option of viewing the Commencement livestream in the Locatelli Cooling Center. This indoor venue is located near the South Entrance of Stevens Stadium. Guests may also take advantage of additional shaded seating located under tents on the grass area next to the Locatelli Cooling Center.
Commencement Livestream
For those wanting to view the Commencement Ceremony online, a livestream of the Undergraduate Commencement will be hosted on the Commencement website on the morning of June 13.
Flower Sales At Commencement
An SCU-approved flower vendor will be selling flowers/leis at four locations across campus on Commencement, both before and after the ceremony. All purchases must be made using a credit card/Apple Pay as cash will not be accepted.
FACULTY RECEPTION
Immediately following the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to attend a faculty reception for their respective schools. These receptions will be held in the following locations near the front of the Mission Church:
Business: Daly Science Lawn
Engineering, Arts, & Sciences: St. Ignatius Lawn
PARKING
Parking on the SCU Campus during the weekend is complimentary for graduates and their guests, however, both standard parking and ADA parking will be severely impacted due to the large crowds expected, so please arrive early to Commencement events!
Designated ADA parking is located on the first floor of the Main Parking Structure. Guests must have a valid ADA placard to park in this designated ADA parking area.
We strongly recommend using rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or carpooling to campus, if possible. To access the rideshare and ADA drop-off area, please enter the University through the main entrance at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053 and stay to the right towards Charney Hall. Drop off will be at the roundabout. Please see the 2026 Commencement Day Parking and Rideshare Map for reference.
The primary approved parking lots for graduates and guests on Commencement weekend are:
Digital display signs will direct guests on parking availability at the following locations:
- 425 El Camino Real (Loyola Hall)
- 455 El Camino Real (Guadalupe Hall)
- Palm and El Camino Real (main SCU entrance)
Please note, the impact of pedestrian traffic on general parking will significantly impede entry to and from parking structures and surface parking lots. Please expect at least 30-minute delays upon entering and exiting campus.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
SECURITY & CLEAR BAG POLICY
There will be security screenings for all events in Stevens Stadium.
Our priority is to ensure that everyone can fully witness, capture, and experience this wonderful accomplishment in the lives of each of our graduates. Disruptions and blocked views or pathways will not be permitted during the event to maintain a safe and positive environment.
Per the University's Clear Bag Policy, guests may bring in one of the following:
- One clear bag, 12" x 6" x 12" (consistent with best practice for most stadium and arena venues)
- One plastic gallon storage bag
- One small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5")
For a complete list of Prohibited Items, please see the Event Security Policy.
As an additional safety measure, the University will be deploying enhanced security screening equipment for Commencement events called OPENGATE®. "OPENGATE® is the first and only fully open, active walk-through detection system, composed of two free standing pillars." Please allow additional time for screening. Guests with prohibited items will be required to return them to their vehicles. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of Commencement Weekend events. As graduates and guests walk through the OPENGATE® screening, we ask that all cell phones and belongings remain in pockets and sized-approved bags.
A strict Clear Bag Policy with OPENGATE® technology will afford all graduates and guests a safe and secure environment to celebrate their accomplishments.
SCU Bronco Alert
To receive SCU Bronco Alert notifications during Commencement Weekend, text “SCUEVENTS” to 226787 (CAMPUS) on the morning of Friday, June 12 to subscribe. Alerts may include emergency and safety information, parking and traffic updates, weather advisories, and other important event announcements. Your subscription will remain active for five days and will automatically expire at the end of that period.
ACADEMIC ATTIRE DONATION PROGRAM
The Dean of Students Office and the Office of Sustainability will be collecting academic attire after Commencement for graduates who wish to donate their attire.
Collection bins will be available at the Faculty Receptions on the St. Ignatius and Daly Science lawns immediately after the ceremony. Additional collection bins will be located in the University Villas Multi-Purpose Room on Sunday, June 14, and at the following locations on Monday, June 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m:
- Off-Campus Living (862 Market Street)
- Dean of Students Office (Benson 205)
- Bucky's Closet (Daly Science 317)
- Center for Sustainability (Bergin 200)
IMPORTANT COMMENCEMENT DAY REMINDERS
- Gates open at 7:15 a.m. for the 8:30 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
- Attendees may only enter with a bag that adheres to the Event Security Policy.
- Attendees are permitted to bring a clear, unopened bottle of water or an empty reusable water bottle. Water filling stations and cups will be available inside Stevens Stadium.
- The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed for all to view and the link will be available on the Commencement website.
- As high temperatures are expected on Commencement day, guests in attendance who begin to feel overheated, dizzy, faint, or unwell should notify event staff or seek assistance at a first aid location.
- The official hashtags to share tributes and memories on social media for the Class of 2026 are #SCU2026 and #SCUGrad.
- Honor the Class of 2026 and show your Bronco pride on social media with our Celebration Kit!
- Additional and informative FAQs are located on the Commencement website.
We encourage all graduates to share this information with their guests so they are aware of the Commencement day details.
We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2026 and their families and friends to the Santa Clara University campus on Commencement Weekend.
Congratulations!
The SCU Commencement Team |
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