Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement Weekend 2026 will take place on Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24, 2026*. You can view the full schedule of events here. 

*Note that this is Memorial Day Weekend. Please plan accordingly. 

The University Commencement Ceremony is the university wide celebration of all graduates. Students from all the schools and colleges come together to celebrate as an entire graduating class. There will be a keynote speaker, students will turn their tassels, and everyone is invited to a celebratory toast afterwards in the Aitken Arts Plaza. 

Degree Ceremonies are specific to each school and college. Students will have their names called and walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover at their Degree Ceremony. 

All graduates in attendance will have their name called as they walk across the stage during their Degree Ceremony.

The estimated duration of each ceremony can be found on the Commencement schedule on the homepage.

Yes. If you have completed the necessary requirements, you will receive your diploma in the mail in summer of 2026.

All ceremonies will take place on Wilson Field.

View Commencement Map >>

Dressy casual attire is recommended. Graduates will wear a cap and gown over their outfits. Please avoid stilettos or any shoes that are difficult to walk in. 

It is very bright on the field during the day, so we recommend sunglasses for all attendees. It cools down at night, so don’t forget a sweater or jacket for any evening ceremonies!

Graduates will be emailed a link to their personal gallery of photo proofs after their ceremony.

Register with our Commencement Photographer in advance to receive your photos faster! 

If you are attending multiple degree ceremonies, you will receive a separate link for each ceremony.

Guest tickets are required for all Commencement Weekend ceremonies. Guest tickets will be distributed to students based on their RSVP counts in Tassel. 

There is a limit of (5) guest tickets for the University Commencement Ceremony. There is no limit to the number of guest tickets for Degree Ceremonies, but groups larger than 20 will need to submit a form with all guest names. 

In case you have guests who cannot attend in person, Chapman provides a livestream of the ceremony that can be viewed at several locations on or off campus.

Guest tickets are required for all Commencement Weekend Ceremonies.

Guest tickets will be distributed to students based on their RSVP information in Tassel. Tickets will be emailed to graduates the week before Commencement. 

Lap-sitting children under the age of 2 do not need a ticket. All other guests will need a ticket. 

Yes, strollers are permitted on Wilson Field so long as they do not impede any aisleways. 

Strollers may be subject to inspection upon entry. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

To request an accommodation, or for inquiries about accessibility, please email commencement@chapman.edu, or call 714-997-6740.

Regalia will be available for purchase beginning at Graduation Fair on February 24 & 25 in Argyros Forum 209 ABC.

Students who do not purchase their cap and gown at Graduation Fair can purchase online or in-person at the Agora Gift Shop in Argyros Forum. 

*Pharmacy and Law Students – check with your department for regalia instructions

Graduates are required to wear a gown, cap, and tassel. Masters and Doctoral students will also need to wear the appropriate hood for their major.

Stoles are optional and can be purchased at Graduation Fair, online, or at the Agora Gift Shop. 

Undergraduate Seniors who are candidates for “Latin Honors at Commencement” have a 3.50 overall GPA (comprised of two components, a 3.5 Chapman GPA AND a 3.5 cumulative GPA including transfer work), have accumulated 54 Chapman-in-residence units taken for a letter grade and have applied for graduation. These students are eligible to purchase a university Honors Cord. One cord signifies all levels of honors.

Order Here: Honor Cords

Yes! Students are welcome to personalize their cap as long as the message and/or images are appropriate.

All Chapman hoods have red and white lining, showcasing the colors of the school from which the degree was received. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the subject of degree.

View Chapman Hood Colors

Yes! You can donate your cap, gown, tassel and/or stole to the Office of Sustainability as part of the Regalia Reuse Program. 

Help a future graduate and the environment! 

Drop off locations to come.