Commencement 2026

May 01, 2026

Commencement 2026

Date: Friday, June 12th at 6:00 PM
Location: Wheelock Stadium
Livestream: Available for guests who cannot attend

We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 at Wheelock Stadium. Graduates, check back for updates and important information about Commencement 2026. Congratulations to our Tigers and Tiger families!

Graduate Check-in: Begins at 4:00 PM in Landis Auditorium. Students must check in no later than 5:30 PM.

Guest Gates: Open at 4:00 PM and close promptly at 6:00 PM. No guests will be admitted after the gates close.

Students MUST RSVP by May 22 to participate in commencement. Students who applied by the deadline will need to check their RCCD student email for the RSVP link.

Important: Students and guests MUST have wristbands. No heels are allowed on the field or stands. All footwear must be flat.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY

Cap and Gown Information
Academic regalia will be available through the RCC Bookstore beginning May 6. Appropriate regalia is required.

RSVP
Students MUST RSVP by May 22.

Name Card Pickup
Name cards will be available beginning Friday, May 29 in Admissions & Records.

  • Bring your name card to Commencement.
  • You may write your chosen name.
  • Write your name phonetically.
  • Pickup must be completed by June 5 at 5 PM.
  • You may designate someone else to pick up wristbands.

Wristbands / Guests
Each student will receive 5 guest wristbands. Additional requests may be made during RSVP.

Graduation Photos
GradImages® will photograph all graduates.

Accommodations
Contact drc@rcc.edu or (951) 222-8060.

THE CEREMONY DAY

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place outdoors at Wheelock Stadium at 6:00 PM. Guest access begins at 4:00 PM.

Footwear Policy

No heels allowed. Acceptable footwear includes:

  • Sneakers
  • Flats
  • Sandals
  • Crocs
  • Slides

Security will strictly enforce this rule.

Guests

Guests must have wristbands to enter the stadium. A livestream will be available.

Children

Children may attend without wristbands but must sit on laps.

Watch Livestream

Livestream details will be available soon.

AFTER THE CEREMONY

Meeting Guests

We recommend meeting on the practice field.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know this is a change! But we have a new track and field and we want to make sure it stays in good shape. Please be mindful that NO heels will be permitted onto the track or field. Wear flat shoes, period. No exceptions! You can wear your cute heels afterwards when you are celebrating your accomplishments!
The no-heels policy will be strictly enforced by our staff and security team. There are no exceptions here, sorry! Also, don’t try to walk barefoot. We won’t let you. The field is HOT.
Yes. Every student will be given five wristbands for guests. During RSVP, you may request to be waitlisted for additional wristbands. Being waitlisted does not guarantee additional wristbands, but we will do our best to fulfill requests if space allows. Continue checking your student email daily, as this is how we will notify you if additional wristbands become available.
YES! The ceremony will be livestreamed so your family can watch from home. After commencement, the full ceremony will also be available on YouTube so you can watch it again.
Sure! Babies do not require wristbands but must be held the entire time. No seats will be given to babies or children without wristbands. If she prefers a stroller, she can sit in accessible seating where there will be room to keep the stroller.
Of course! Accessible seating is available in the stadium near the entrance.
Yes! We love seeing your creativity. Just keep it classy — no profanity or anything offensive. Also make sure decorations don’t block other graduates’ views. Glitter it, paint it, bedazzle it — just don’t glue a teddy bear on top!
Please remain seated until the end of the ceremony out of respect for fellow graduates. If you leave early due to an emergency, you will not be allowed to return.
Parking is free in white-lined spaces on campus. Please do not park in nearby neighborhoods — tickets may be issued. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.
No required rehearsal. Watch the rehearsal video beforehand and follow staff directions on the day of commencement.
No. Items that make noise or block views are not allowed. Bags will be searched upon entry.
Name cards and wristbands available beginning Friday, May 29. Pick up in Admissions & Records. Bring your name card to commencement. You may write a chosen name. Write names phonetically. Pickup deadline: Friday, June 5 at 5 PM. You may authorize someone else to pick them up with email permission.
Lost, stolen, or damaged wristbands will not be replaced. Please keep them safe.
Only service animals are permitted inside the stadium.
Each graduate receives one diploma cover. Additional covers may be available after graduation through Admissions & Records.
You will receive a diploma cover at commencement. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 16 weeks after the semester ends.
Degrees and certificates will appear on your official transcript after your degree is awarded.
Contact the Center for International Students for visa assistance.
Yes. ASL interpreters and captioning will be available throughout the ceremony.

Contact Us

Information will be sent via RCCD email to students who RSVP.

Questions? Contact Evaluations@rcc.edu .