2026 student commencement guide video
Graduation and Commencement
Students often inquire about the difference between graduation or the conferral of a degree and participating in the commencement ceremony. Graduation is sometimes used interchangeably with the conferral of a degree. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements and is noted on the student’s official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony held by the University to celebrate the student’s completion of their degree. Attending commencement does not insinuate that students have officially completed all degree requirements.
When and where is the Commencement Ceremony?
The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center (111 Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101 – Hall C).
What time should students arrive?
Student check-in begins at 8:30 AM in Rooms 8–9 on the Upper Level. All students must be checked in by 9:30 AM. The ceremony begins at 10:00 AM. Students arriving late may not be permitted to participate in the procession.
What is the student check-in and procession process?
After check-in, students will line up in Rooms 8–9 by College and process from the Upper Level to Hall C at approximately 9:30 AM. Once in the Main Hall, they will be guided to their seats. Students will be called by program to walk across the stage. Students will hand their name card to a staff member before crossing the stage and will return to their seats afterward.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed on United States University’s official social media channels for guests who are unable to attend in person. Details to follow.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.
How do I register for Commencement?
Eligible students should RSVP using the link emailed to them. The RSVP deadline is June 15th, 2026. During registration, students will confirm the pronunciation of their name and their program. Students’ names will be displayed during the ceremony, so please ensure both name and pronunciation are confirmed accurately. Please email registrar@usuniversity.edu (mailto:registrar@usuniversity.edu) if any corrections need to be made.
Eligible students should RSVP using the link emailed to them. The RSVP deadline is July 30, 2026. During registration, students will confirm the pronunciation of their name and their program. Students’ names will be displayed during the ceremony, so please ensure both name and pronunciation are confirmed accurately. Please email registrar@usuniversity.edu if any corrections need to be made.
When is Grad Fest?
Grad Fest will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the United States University San Diego Campus (404 Camino Del Rio S., Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92108). Grad Fest is for graduating students only and is not open to guests.
Students must attend during their assigned time based on last name:
A–H (12:00–1:30 PM)
I–P (1:30–2:45 PM)
Q–Z (2:45–4:00 PM)
What happens at Grad Fest?
Students may pick up honor cords (if eligible), connect with faculty and fellow graduates, visit information tables, decorate caps, take photos at the photo booth, and meet Program Deans and Directors.
Do guests need tickets?
No tickets are required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
How many guests can I bring?
Students are asked to limit their guest count to 10 attendees to ensure space is available for all families.
Are there assigned seats for guests?
No. Student seating is reserved, but all guest seating is open and first-come, first-served. Guests may not save large blocks of seats.
When can guests enter?
Guests may enter Hall C starting at 9:00 AM.
Can my child sit with me during the ceremony?
No. Students sit in a reserved seating area separate from guests. Minors must be accompanied by another adult.
Are there venue restrictions?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center does not allow balloons, confetti, outside food or beverages (reusable water bottles permitted), or saving large blocks of seats. Security may enforce these policies.
What parking is available?
On-site parking is available at the Convention Center garage via the Harbor Drive entrance. There are no in-and-out privileges, and overnight or RV parking is not permitted. Parking fees typically range from $20–$35 per vehicle. Additional off-site parking is available nearby.
What should I wear?
Commencement is a professional event. Students should wear business professional or semi-formal attire under their regalia. Comfortable dress shoes are recommended.
What regalia do I need?
Undergraduate students wear a cap and gown. Graduate students wear a cap, gown, and hood. Graduates must bring their own regalia, which can be ordered through United States University’s Jostens store. (Note: Regalia orders typically take at least 5 weeks to arrive, so order early.)
Click here for more information
Can I decorate my regalia?
Yes. Students are encouraged to decorate their caps and may wear additional stoles, honor cords, or leis that celebrate achievements or culture.
Who receives honor cords?
Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and Master’s or Doctoral students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher will receive United States University-issued academic honor cords at check-in.
Are stoles required?
No. Stoles are optional and may be purchased through Jostens. No. Stoles are optional and may be purchased through Jostens. Stoles are purchased by students and not provided by the University.
What about hoods for graduate students?
Master’s students should arrive wearing their hoods. Doctoral students will be hooded by their Program Dean.
What do I need to bring with me?
Bring your name card and regalia. Name cards will be provided upon check in at grad fest or the commencement day.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes. A professional photographer will take photos as graduates cross the stage. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. More information will be provided closer to the date of the event.
How can I tag photos on social media?
Use the hashtag #USUgrad2026 to share your celebration photos.
Will photography and video recording take place?
Yes. Professional photography and videography will occur during the event. By attending, participants acknowledge that images or recordings may be used for marketing purposes.
United States University’s Commencement Ceremony will be followed by Aspen University’s ceremony at the same venue later that afternoon.
To ensure a seamless transition between ceremonies, we kindly ask all graduates and guests to exit Hall C promptly once the USU ceremony has concluded. This will allow venue staff adequate time to prepare the space for Aspen University’s event.
We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in helping both institutions celebrate their graduates in a smooth and timely manner.
When will I receive my diploma?
Degrees are conferred four weeks after final grades are submitted. Students will receive a free digital diploma via Parchment and a mailed paper diploma within 90 days after degree conferral.
What name will appear on my diploma?
The name printed must match the University record. Students needing a name change must submit the appropriate form prior to graduation processing.
How do I request accommodations?
Students who need accommodations for hearing, sight, service animals, mobility, lactation, or other needs should email accessibility@usuniversity.edu no later than August 01, 2026. The University will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests.
Guest accommodations beyond accessible parking, entryway ramps, and elevators are limited. However, if a student is aware of a guest who will need additional accommodations, please email accessibility@aspen.edu no later than August 01, 2026. The University will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests.
What is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport to the San Diego Convention Center is San Diego International Airport (SAN), located approximately 15 minutes from the venue. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel accommodations.
If you have additional questions, please contact registrar@usuniversity.edu. We look forward to celebrating with you!
- Students who have graduated after September 19, 2025
- Students who will have completed their program requirements by September 18, 2026
Submission Requirements
Students interested must submit a recording of themselves singing the National Anthem.
Please review the eligibility criteria below and complete the Student Singer Application (HERE). Students are asked to submit no later than July 15th, 2026
Video submissions can be submitted in the form of a link (preferred) or video attachment.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to sing the National Anthem, graduating students must meet the following criteria:
- Be eligible for graduation.
- Be in good academic standing (high Cumulative GPA, no disciplinary action or academic progress warning/probation)
- Commit to attending and participating in the commencement ceremony
- Be available for a run-through before the ceremony. Please note that the exact date and time of the run-through are to be determined, and we will communicate this information as soon as it becomes available.
A student speaker will have the honor of being selected by the Commencement Committee and President’s Council to convey a message of inspiration, common experiences, and insights, as well as inspire fellow graduates.
Please review the eligibility criteria below and complete the Student Speaker Application (HERE). Completed application must be submitted no later than July 15, 2026
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to address commencement, graduating students must meet the following criteria as those listed on the application:
- Be eligible for graduation.
- Be in good academic standing (high Cumulative GPA, no disciplinary action or academic progress warning/probation
- Commit to attending and participating commencement ceremony
The selected applicant chosen by the committee will receive assistance from the college deans with refining their speech, if needed.
Master - Education (Lt Blue)
Master - Business Administration (Drab)
Master - Nursing (Apricot)
Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (Apricot)
Doctor of Business Administration (Drab)