The 68th annual commencement ceremony details are as follows:
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM (gates open at 3:30 PM)
Graduate arrival must arrive to the Field House Field between 4:15 - 4:45 PM.
Location: Falcon Stadium

Graduation: 

Graduation occurs once you complete all degree requirements. Cerritos College requires an official graduation petition and a minimum number of units before awarding a diploma. Submit your petition at the start of your final term.
If you finish your requirements in spring and file a petition, you can say you “graduated” that spring, though the college may take additional time to verify your record and send your official diploma.

Commencement:

 “Commencement” is the official term for the graduation ceremony, where students, family, and faculty celebrate their accomplishments. Cerritos College hosts their commencement at the close of the spring term.

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Cerritos College graduates of the 2025-2026 academic year, who have filed a Petition to Graduate for the following graduating semesters are invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony:

• Fall 2025 Graduation Petition deadline: 10/31/2025
• Spring 2026 Graduation Petition deadline:  3/20/2026
• Summer 2026 Graduation Petition deadline: 7/10/2026*

*To Participate in Commencement 2026/Commencement 2026 Program: Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 graduates need to submit petitions by 3/20/2026

More information on petitions & deadlines.

Is Attendance Mandatory?
Graduates are not required to attend the commencement ceremony in May, but attendance is highly encouraged to celebrate their achievements.

You do not need to sign up for the ceremony.

However, graduates are invited only if they submitted a Petition to Graduate for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Admissions reviews each petition, and if you have met—or will meet—all requirements during the 2025–2026 academic year, you will be added to the graduate list and receive an email invitation.

If you have not met all requirements for that academic year, you will not receive an email invitation.

For details on how we contact graduates, see the next section: “When & How We Notify/Communicate With Graduates.”

Graduates are not required to attend the commencement ceremony in May, but attendance is highly encouraged to celebrate their achievements.

The degree or certificate will be awarded at the end of the semester when coursework is completed, and the diploma will be mailed to the graduate.

**Due to construction, campus parking is extremely limited. We highly encourage and recommend that guests and graduates carpool**

ARRIVE EARLY

Carpooling is strongly encouraged!

Parking will be free on Commencement day.

Please be aware that the streets surrounding campus especially Alondra Blvd. will experience heavy traffic. To help avoid delays and parking congestion, graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early and park in Lot 10, accessible from 166th Street.

ADA Parking

The parking area directly in front of the stadium will be reserved exclusively for ADA parking. To use these spaces, vehicles must display a valid disabled parking placard or license plate.

Guests with mobility challenges are encouraged to bring their own walkers or wheelchairs. Please note that Cerritos College is unable to provide personal mobility assistance, so we recommend bringing someone who can help with mobility needs.

Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plan to Walk a distance

Attendees should be prepared to walk from the parking lot to the venue. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and allowing extra time to arrive.

Directions to Cerritos College

From Downtown Los Angeles
Take I-5 South to I-605 South, exit I-605 at Alondra Blvd, turn left on Alondra Blvd, take Alondra Blvd East. The college will be on the right just past Studebaker Road.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Take I-105 East to I-605 South, exit I-605 at Alondra Blvd, turn left on Alondra Blvd, take Alondra Blvd East.

From John Wayne Airport (Orange County)
Take I-405 North to I-605 North, exit I-605 at Alondra Blvd, turn right on Alondra Blvd, take Alondra Blvd East.

Deadlines to participate in the ceremony:

• October 31, 2025 – Deadline to submit the Fall 2025 graduation petition to Admissions.
• March 20, 2026 – Deadline to submit Spring/Summer 2026 graduation petition to Admissions 

Deadlines to officially be graduated from Cerritos College:

• Summer 2025 Graduation Petition Period: 5/19/2025 - 7/11/2025
• Fall 2025 Graduation Petition Period:  8/11/2025 - 10/31/2025
• Spring 2026 Graduation Petition Period: 1/05/2026 - 3/20/2026
• Summer 2026 Graduation Petition Period: 5/18/2026 - 7/10/2026

Visit the Admissions Graduate Petition webpage for additional petition information.

For information regarding your records such as grades, petitions, transcripts, please contact Admissions & Records.

If you submit your  Graduate Petition by the deadlines below, your name will appear in the Commencement Ceremony program booklet. Petitions submitted after these dates will not be included in the printed program.

• October 31, 2025 – Fall 2025 graduation petition due to Admissions

• March 20, 2026 – Spring/Summer 2026 graduation petition due to Admissions

Graduates who submit a petition after March 20, 2026 may still participate in the ceremony, and their names will be announced, but will not appear in the program booklet.

For petition details, visit the Admissions Graduate Petition webpage. For questions about records, grades, or transcripts, please contact Admissions & Records. The Commencement Team cannot check petition status.

Program booklets are free and will be provided to each participant and guest while supplies last.

The Commencement Team contacts graduates by email only.

Eligibility for Communication (Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring/Summer 2026 Graduates)
Only students who submit their graduation petitions to Admissions by the published deadlines will receive commencement-related emails.

If you file your petition by March 20, 2026, you will begin receiving emails from the Commencement Team in mid-April. After the deadline, Admissions & Records finalizes and provides the official 2025–2026 graduate list. Once we receive that list, we will begin sending regular updates.

Keep Your Contact Information Current
Graduates are responsible for ensuring that their contact information is accurate and up to date in the college system to avoid missing important messages.

We send commencement-related information only. Please check your spam or junk folders regularly to ensure you don’t miss any important emails.

Grad Fair 2026

• Ticket pickup begin at the Grad Fair on April 28, 2026 and continues until May 15th or until tickets run out. Guest tickets are not guaranteed after May 15th.
  
  
• Tickets are only available to graduates who have submitted their Petition to Graduate (Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring/ Summer 2026). The Commencement Team will verify petition approval from the official list.
  
  
• Graduates may request up to 8 tickets. A photo ID is required to pick up tickets.
  
  • Extra Tickets: Please scroll down to read more about extra tickets.
    
    
• We will have enough tickets to distribute to all graduates that have filed a Petition to Graduate by the deadlines.
  • If you missed the deadlines, you must wait until Admissions clears your petition before picking up tickets at the Student Life (SLL) office. The Commencement Team cannot check petition status.

• • Please note: the Commencement Team cannot check petition status.
    
    
• Tickets are assigned to seating on the Home or Visitor side of the stadium.
  
  

Event Entry

• Admission is free.
• Each guest needs a ticket to enter.
• Children 2 and under (lap-seating) do not need a ticket.
• Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves.
• Tickets are free and may not be sold or resold.
• Stadium gates may close once capacity is reached.
• No re-entry into the stadium.

Can't make It to Grad Fair to pick up your tickets?

Tickets will be available for graduating students (that have submitted their petition to Admissions), to pick up in the Student Life Office from April 29 - May 15, 2026 (Tickets may not be guaranteed after May 15th). A photo ID is required for pick up. 
Tickets cannot be mailed out. Please check for office hours.

Extra Tickets

If extra tickets should become available, the Commencement Team will notify graduates the week of the ceremony, and no earlier.

The Student Commencement Speaker is an honorary participant of the graduation ceremony, and provides a 5-minute speech that serves to inspire and honor graduating students.     

Application link coming soon!

Official regalia (cap and gown) is required to participate in the ceremony. 

Online ordering is currently closed, but will available on Josten's Cerritos College page in the next few weeks.
Deadline to place your order will be April 10, 2026.

• All graduates must wear proper regalia to participate.
• Our school tassel is blue & white, with a gold 2026 charm.  
• Other regalia accessories that are permitted, but not required, include: cords, medallions, sashes, etc. 
• If you have black regalia, or can borrow it from a family/friend, you are welcome to wear it.
• Regalia may be purchased from other sources.

Prepare Your Regalia for The Ceremony

Commencement regalia must be properly worn at all times of the ceremony:

Gown:  Have your gown pressed (cool iron only). Gowns should be zipped up at all times during the ceremony. 

Cap: The cap should be worn straight and pulled down over the forehead. You may need to use bobby pins to keep your cap on. Caps should also be worn at all times during the ceremony, except during the National Anthem (men). The tassel should be draped over the left front quarter of the cap. 

If you are borrowing regalia from a sibling or friend, please make sure it matches the black cap and gowns that are sold at the bookstore.

Commencement Dress Code

Graduates must arrive in official cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. 

Wear proper footwear.
You will be standing for a period of time and you will be walking on grass and uneven ground.

Spike heels will not be permitted on the field and you will not be allowed onto the field if you are wearing spike heels. For your safety, graduates are strongly urged NOT to wear high heels. Wedge heels and flat shoes are best for the event and highly recommended. 

Decorating Your Cap 

Graduates are allowed to decorate their caps for the ceremony. Please keep in mind that the Cerritos College Standard of Conduct does apply to the graduation ceremony. If your cap violates a standard of conduct, you will be asked to remove your cap.

Cords, Medals, and Sashes

If the graduate earned an honors cord, medal, and/or sash during the time they attended Cerritos College (for example Phi Theta Kappa, UMOJA, and Scholars Honors Program, etc) they are welcome to wear those items. Honors graduates may pick up their cord at the Grad Fair. Honors cords are available only while supplies last.

Only graduates with an Associate's degree (AA, AA-T or AS-T) a GPA of 3.3 or higher, and who have submitted a graduation petition to Admissions and Records by March 20, 2026 are eligible for an honors cord. Honors cords are not available for certificate earners.

• Honors: Cumulative GPA of 3.3 to 3.69.

• Highest Honors: Cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher.

  Honors is based on your cumulative GPA at the time your graduation petition was submitted.

Honors Cord Pick Up

Honors graduates earning an AA, AA-T, or AS-T may pick up their honors cord at the Grad Fair (while supplies last). Honors eligibility is based on your cumulative GPA at the time your graduation petition was submitted. Honors cords are not available for certificate earners.

If you cannot attend the Grad Fair, you may check availability at the Student Life Office (SLL) between April 29–May 15 during office hours.

Important Details

• Photo ID is required to pick up a cord.
• One cord per honors graduate.
• Cords are not sold in the Bookstore.
• Availability is first come, first served.

For questions regarding honors cord eligibility please contact Admissions and Records. 

Graduates Requesting Accommodations

If you require disability accommodations contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS):
 (562) 860-2451, ext. 2335; (562) 274-7164 (VP); or contact by E-mail a minimum of two weeks prior to commencement ceremony.

ADA Parking

Graduates and guests with a DMV approved placard may park in parking lot 1, located in front of the stadium.

Sign Language Interpreters

Sign language interpreters will be located on the home side of the stage and guest seating will be available near the stage (on the home side only) for those who need access to view the interpreters. To reserve space in this location please contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Braille Programs

A limited number of programs will be available at the entrance in large print and Braille.

For any other accommodation requests or for additional information regarding accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at (562) 860-2451, ext. 2335; (562) 274-7164 (VP); or contact by E-mail 

Visit Josten's Cerritos College website to order the following:

• Class Rings and Jewelry
• Personalized Stoles
• Graduation Announcements
• Affiliation Accessories
  

Graduate Arrival info: Time & Check-In

• 4:15-4:45 PM - ARRIVE WITH YOUR REGALIA ON
  • Plan to arrive at the Grad Zone one at 4:15 PM and no later than 4:45 PM to line up for the procession. 
    • Prepare to be standing. 
  • Graduate procession starts promptly at 5:00 PM.
  • Students who arrive late or without the required regalia will not be allowed inside the ceremony.
  • Guests and family members, including children, are not permitted past the grad zone.
  • Pets (including emotional support animals) are not allowed in the stadium. Only service animals are permitted. 

•  CHECK- IN
  • Graduates must report to the Grad Zone, the parking area south of the Field House Field. 
  • Instructions will be explained to all participating graduates in detail upon arrival to the parking area south of the Field House Field.
  • Field House Field restrooms will be available for graduates.
  • Guests and family members are not permitted in these areas.

Graduate Dress Code

• Official regalia is required for participation and must be worn at all times.
• Footwear: Spike heels will not be permitted on the field and you will not be allowed onto the field if you are wearing spike heels.
  • For your safety, graduates are strongly urged NOT to wear high heels. Wedge heels and flat shoes are best for the event and highly recommended. 
• Selected adornments, such as honor and organizational cords, sashes and stoles, medals, and flower leis, may be worn with the cap and gown during the ceremony.

Please keep in mind that the Cerritos College Standard of Conduct does apply to the graduation ceremony. 

Personal Belongings

• We highly recommend that graduates do not bring any personal items, such as purses, backpack, bags, totes, etc. into the ceremony. 
  
  • It is recommended to leave your personal items with your guests.
• Cerritos College will not be responsible for any personal items.

do not leave early

Attending grads must participate in the entire event, from processional to recessional. The ceremony is approximately 2.5 hours. Please plan accordingly.

RE-ENTRY IS NOT PERMITTED during Ceremony

Re-entry during the ceremony will not be permitted under any circumstance. If you need to exit and re-enter the stadium or field, please notify event staff prior to the start of the procession, for assistance.

Designated restrooms will be available for graduates during the ceremony.

Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus

Cerritos College is a 100% smoke and tobacco-free campus. Smoking, including the use of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, electronic cigarettes, vaporized liquids, or other emission-producing products or devices is prohibited.

Prohibited IteMs

The following will not be permitted in Falcon Stadium:

• strollers/ car seats/ coolers
• large signs/ confetti/ balloons/ air horns or noisemakers/ inflatables/ umbrellas
• signs larger than 12"x12"
• any banners/ flags
• alcohol/ drugs
• open/ glass containers
• smoking/ tobacco/ vaping
• drones
• pets (including emotional support animals) are not allowed in the stadium. Only service animals are permitted.

Ceremony Conduct Agreement

By participating in Commencement you agree to observe the following guidelines during the ceremony:

• Be respectful of others and follow directions so everyone can enjoy the ceremony with dignity and honor.
• Graduates should remain in their seats during the entire ceremony, unless utilizing the restrooms.
• Students are required to be in their seats for the address by our commencement speaker. (Restrooms will be closed at this time.)
  Wandering around the floor of the stadium and visiting with guests in the stands during the ceremony is prohibited. You will be asked to leave the ceremony.
• Do not leave early. Attending grads must participate in the entire event, from processional to recessional. Use the restroom in advance and plan ahead.
• Remain seated in your chair unless instructed otherwise, and stay until the ceremony has ended and the platform party has departed the stadium.
  • Graduates are expected to stay during the entire ceremony.
  • Please plan your post-ceremony activities accordingly.
• Unruly, disruptive or offensive behavior is strictly prohibited.
• Graduates who appear intoxicated, under the influence of illegal substances or exhibit any other illicit or belligerent behavior will be escorted out from the campus by law enforcement.

Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus

Cerritos College is a 100% smoke and tobacco-free campus. Smoking, including the use of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, electronic cigarettes, vaporized liquids, or other emission-producing products or devices is prohibited.

Professional Photography

Photographers will be available at graduate check-in to take formal portrait photos.

All graduates will also have their photo taken as they cross and exit the stage, and return to their seats.

After checking in for the ceremony, graduates will be asked to complete the photographers’ contact form. A color proof and ordering information will be mailed to you once your photos are ready.

Media Release

By attending Commencement, participants and guests grant permission to Cerritos College, its employees, and its agents to capture and use visual and/or audio images of them. Cerritos College will own these images and all associated rights. The images may be used in any form or media without prior notification.

All participants waive the right to review or approve the images and understand that they will not receive compensation for their use. Participants also release Cerritos College, its employees, and its agents from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the recording or use of these visual and/or audio images.

When Will I Receive my diploma and/or certificate?

Graduates will not receive their diplomas and/or certificates at the Commencement ceremony. Diplomas are typically mailed 6-8 weeks after the last day of the term.  Please note that the college cannot confer a degree and mail a diploma until it has been verified the student has passed all courses and meets all requirements to graduate. Please make sure that your mailing information on file with the college is up-to-date.

Diplomas are typically mailed 6-8 weeks after the last day of the term.  Please note that the college cannot confer a degree and mail a diploma until it has been verified the student has passed all courses and meets all requirements to graduate.

Diploma Covers

As a recognition of your achievements and participation, graduates who stay for the entire Commencement Ceremony and do not leave early, will receive a diploma cover at the conclusion of the event.

• If you do not participate in the Commencement ceremony, or you leave the ceremony before the ending graduate procession off the field, you will be able to purchase a diploma cover at the Cerritos College Bookstore.

Diplomas Held

Please note that if you have an outstanding obligation to the college, this will prevent Cerritos College from releasing your diploma when it becomes available.

Stay hydrated and take a bathroom break before you line up for the ceremony. Once you’re on the field, water and bathroom access will be limited. The commencement ceremony typically lasts two hours, so make sure you’re well-rested, fed and hydrated for the main event.

Plan in advance where you want to meet your family afterwards. Students are escorted out of Falcon Stadium following the ceremony, and it might feel a bit hectic if you can’t find your family once you’ve left the building. It helps to suggest a specific meeting spot outside the stadium, to your family and friends beforehand.

Carpool to the event. Due to construction, campus parking is extremely limited. We highly encourage and recommend that guests and graduates carpool.

Bags will be searched by campus police. The following will not be permitted at this event:

• strollers/ car seats/ coolers
• large signs/ confetti/ balloons/ air horns or noisemakers/ inflatables/ umbrellas
• signs larger than 12"x12"
• banners an/ or flags of any kind
• alcohol/ drugs
• open/glass containers
• smoking/ tobacco/ vaping 
• drones
• pets (including emotional support animals) are not allowed in the stadium. Only service animals are permitted.

Please note that Cerritos College is a smoke & tobacco free campus. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor facilities on college grounds.

Commencement is a joyous celebration for all and we ask that graduates and guests stay through the entire ceremony. Leaving early not only disrupts the ceremony, but it is distracting to graduating students.

Please be considerate and respectful of others in attendance. 
Do not block or stand in anyone's view anytime during the ceremony. Please refrain from using profanity.

Do I need to apply to participate in the commencement ceremony?

No, there is no application to participate in the commencement ceremony. 

Is it mandatory to participate in the commencement ceremony?

Participation is not mandatory and is completely up to the graduating student. 

Do I have to attend the Grad Fair to graduate?

No, attendance is not mandatory.

Can I purchase my regalia (cap and gown) at the Grad Fair event?

Students can only purchase their cap and gowns online via the Cerritos College Jostens site, through May 1st. They will not be sold at the event or in the bookstore.

I can't make it to the Grad Fair, is there another time I can pick up my tickets and/or honors cord?

Tickets and honors cords will be available for graduating students (that have submitted their petition to Admissions), to pick up in the Student Life Office from April 29 - May 15, 2026 (Tickets are not guaranteed after May 15th). A photo ID is required for pick up. Tickets/ cords cannot be mailed out. Please check for office hours.

I didn't submit a petition to graduate, can I still pick up guest tickets?

Tickets are only available for graduates that have submitted a graduation petition to  Admissions by the petition deadlines (see above for dates). The Commencement Team will have a list of graduates who have successfully submitted their graduation petition.

I submitted my petition after the deadlines, can I still pick up guest tickets at the grad fair?

You will need to obtain proof from Admissions indicating you have submitted your Petition to Graduate, to be able to pick up tickets at the Gradapalooza or in the Student Life Office from April 19 - May 15, 2026 ( (Tickets are not guaranteed after May 15th).

A photo ID is required for pick up. Tickets cannot be mailed out. Please check for office hours.

Ceremony live stream

We will have a free live video stream of the event for those who are unable to attend.