Commencement 2026 • Saturday, May 16

Ceremony 6:00 PM • SBVC Stadium (Henley Brothers Field)

When & Where:

Saturday, May 16

Ceremony 6:00 PM

SBVC Stadium (Henley Brothers Field)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

PlaceSBVC Stadium

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

Ceremony: 6:00 PM
Need additional support? Email: StudentLife@valleycollege.edu or come visit us in person

Location: 1st floor, Campus Center (Office of Student Life)
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 
Extended hours available by appointment for evening students. 

All graduates participating in the ceremony will be receiving their cap and gown for FREE.

  • You can collect your regalia from the SBVC Bookstore
  • You will need your SBVC Student ID Card 
  • If you are in any specialized programs (EOP&S, FYE, Veterans, Dreamers, etc.), please check your email for specific instructions about picking up your cap and gown.
Yes. Simply bring in a proof of purchase from the Campus Bookstore. This could be the original receipt or a transaction that matches our records. Students who used a card can be looked up at our point of sale system.
Yes, tassels are included with your cap and gown.
No, honor cords are not included with your cap and gown. 

Honor cords will need to be purchased.

This includes special stoles and tassels from honor societies such as Alpha Gamma Sigma and Phi Theta Kappa.
Traditional San Bernardino Valley College Commencement Announcements may be purchased at HERE
A graduate holding a diploma cover stands with her back to the stadium while raising it high in the air above her head.

Special Celebrations

In addition to the annual Commencement ceremony, San Bernardino Valley College honors the diverse experiences of our students through a series of unique cultural and identity-based graduation celebrations. These events provide a more intimate and meaningful way to recognize achievements within supportive communities.

Each celebration is open to all who wish to participate and serves as a reflection of SBVC’s commitment to inclusivity and student success.

See below for a list of these special celebrations. If interested, please RSVP or reach out to the contacts provided.

A graduate with the flag of Mexico

The 46th Annual SBCCD Black Grad Celebration.

FRIDAY MAY 8th, 2026 @ 5pm, SBVC Auditorium.

Save the Date: May 9

More details to come!
Lavender Graduation is a meaningful celebration that recognizes and celebrates our LGBTQ+ graduates and the communities that support them. This event honors your achievements, resilience, and identity in an affirming and welcoming space. Graduates will receive a rainbow graduation stole as a commemorative keepsake for this milestone.

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 2pm
Business Bldg. 100

Interest List Sign-Up
API Grad is a celebratory event dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and journeys of our Asian and Pacific Islander graduates. This gathering highlights the strength, culture, and community of our API students in a supportive and uplifting environment. Graduates will receive an API Grad stole to commemorate their success.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 2pm
Applied Tech Showroom

Interest List Sign-Up

Ceremony Day

Saturday, May 16, 2026. Ceremony begins at 6:00 pm
Graduating students may wear leis with their regalia when they check in only.  Large and/or obtrusive items will not be allowed inside the stadium.

Commencement should be a happy memory for all our graduates and guests. The following rules of behavior will be enforced at the ceremony:

1. No smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed. Intoxicated students will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony

2. Please wear attire that is family-friendly (no foul language or graphic images). Those in violation of this rule will be asked to wear another clothing item or another layer of clothing. Please wear shoes and shirts during all events at SBVC Stadium.

3. Disruptive Items will not be allowed.

4. No items/gifts from outside. Ex. coolers, flowers, signs, noisemakers, leis, stuffed animals, and other restricted items (more details below)

5. Only clear bags will be allowed (more details below)

6. Marshals will provide directions for the following:
    • Lining up
    • Marching into the stadium (Processional)
    • Seating
    • Receiving diploma covers
    • Keeping aisles clear to facilitate easy stage access
    • Marching out of the stadium (Recessional)
    • No purses or bags of any kind for the processional

To ensure the success of this special occasion, disruptive or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Students must remain seated until the entire ceremony has concluded.

Safety Protocols
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants and guests, SBVC will implement a clear bag policy for all special events. We encourage all attendees to familiarize themselves with and adhere to this policy before arriving at the stadium. Large purses or bags not meeting the policy guidelines must be returned to vehicles.

Guests will be subject to search and metal detection upon entry. The following items are prohibited in the stadium: coolers, signs, noisemakers, and other obtrusive items

Approved Bags:

  • 12" x 6" x 12" Clear Plastic Bag
  • 1 Gallon Plastic Freezer Bag
  • Clutch with Shoulder Strap (clutch may not be larger than 4.5" X 6.5")
  • Clutch with Wrist Strap (clutch may not be larger than 4.5" X 6.5")
  • Diaper Bag, as long as accompanied by a child

Non-Approved Bags:

  • Backpacks
  • Camera Case
  • Mesh Bag
  • Tinted Plastic Bag
  • Oversized Tote Bag
  • Printed Pattern Plastic Bag
  • Fanny Pack
  • Binoculars Case

*Medically necessary items or equipment that cannot fit within the clear bag policy should be presented for inspection at security. Public Safety personnel will evaluate these items and determine if they can be permitted inside. Please note that security staff have full discretion regarding which items are allowed into the stadium.

Both digital diploma and a paper diploma will be made available to graduates via Parchment Services. An email will be sent to students once the diplomas are ready, with instructions. Spring grads will receive notification on July 1st and summer grads will receive notification on Sept 12th. Information is found at: HERE 
TBD
Graduating students may wear leis with their regalia when they check in only.  Leis and other items will not be allowed in by guests of the graduates.
  • No outside food or beverages allowed in the stadium (except water).
  • No alcoholic beverages will be permitted or sold.
  • Only clear bags will be allowed (see below).
  • No items/gifts from outside (see below).
  • No banners, signs, balloons, or any other items that block the view of guests may be carried into the stadium or hung on bleacher rails.

Clear Bag Policy
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants and guests, SBVC has implemented a clear bag policy for all special events. We encourage all attendees to familiarize themselves with and adhere to this policy before arriving at the stadium. Large purses or bags not meeting the policy guidelines must be returned to vehicles.

Guests will be subject to search and metal detection upon entry. The following items are prohibited in the stadium: coolers, flowers, signs, noise makers, leis, stuffed animals, and other restricted items. Any prohibited items may be seized or must be returned to vehicles.

Approved Bags:

  • 12" x 6" x 12" Clear Plastic Bag
  • 1 Gallon Plastic Freezer Bag
  • Clutch with Shoulder Strap (clutch may not be larger than 4.5" X 6.5")
  • Clutch with Wrist Strap (clutch may not be larger than 4.5" X 6.5")
  • Diaper Bag, as long as accompanied by a child

Non-Approved Bags:

  • Backpacks
  • Camera Case
  • Mesh Bag
  • Purse
  • Tinted Plastic Bag
  • Oversized Tote Bag
  • Printed Pattern Plastic Bag
  • Fanny Pack
  • Binoculars Case

*Medically necessary items or equipment that cannot fit within the clear bag policy should be presented for inspection at security. Public Safety personnel will evaluate these items and determine if they can be permitted inside. Please note that security staff have full discretion regarding which items are allowed into the stadium.

For friends and family members who are unable to attend the ceremony, the SBVC Commencement ceremony will be streamed live online.

The stream is currently off and will begin on the day of Commencement. 

The SBVC Stadium is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Students participating in commencement who require accommodation can contact:

 Student Accessibility Services - Michelle Crocfer

Graduates wear the tassel forward and to the right. The cap is worn with the long point of the shell to the rear.

At the conclusion of the program, graduates move their tassels to the left, thus signifying the conferring of the degree.

Graduates are kindly asked not to carry purses, bottles, balloons, etc. Water will be provided to graduates.

Guests: Please wear attire that is family-friendly (no foul language or graphic images). Those in violation of this rule will be asked to wear another clothing item or another layer of clothing.

Please wear shoes and shirts during all events at SBVC Stadium.
Yes. You are welcome to bring cameras to Commencement, however, guests may only take pictures from their seats and should take care not to disturb those around them.

Only official photographers will be permitted in the graduates’ area.

GradImages will photograph each graduate at the ceremony, and proofs will be emailed and mailed after the ceremony.

GradImages pricing.
The ceremony will continue as scheduled rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas and/or raincoats in case of showers. 

For more information on Commencement, contact the Office of Student Life at

909-384-4474 or commencement@valleycollege.edu