Commencement 2026

Please log in to your MyCampus2 portal to complete the Graduation, Commencement, and Diploma Validation Form. This form must be completed by XX, for winter grads, and XX, for spring grads.

• Commencement Forms
• Commencement Participation Policy
• Diploma and Transcript Information

Please see the full Commencement Policy in the Pitzer College Catalog for information about eligibility requirements for participation in the ceremony.

• Diplomas are printed with the legal name on file. Students can request that their preferred name be printed on the diploma when they complete the Intent to Participate form. If students elect to use a preferred/chosen name, the information should match what is on file with the Office of the Registrar.
• Voice recordings and phonetic spellings can be captured through the student portal, under the “Student” tab. The Office of the Registrar collects this information to help ensure that names are pronounced correctly during the commencement ceremony. The Office of the Registrar will send out more detailed instructions in the upcoming weeks. 

Graduates will receive their diplomas on the day of Commencement. If you are not participating in the ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address that the Registrar’s office has on file for you. If you have any questions, please email the Office of the Registrar at registrar@pitzer.edu.

• Pitzer will cover the cost of your cap, gown, and tassel. Your measurements must be submitted using this link. If you do not have regalia, you CANNOT walk in the ceremony. Please note that you can have your regalia shipped to your home address or campus. Home orders should be received within 3 weeks.
• You must return the regalia to the Benson Auditorium after the ceremony. You keep your cap, tassel, and honor cords, but return your orange Pitzer cowl and gown.
• Check with your major advisor to confirm if you will be receiving honors. Honors cords will be distributed during the commencement rehearsal.

• Announcements may be individually ordered, and sample announcements may be viewed at Huntley Bookstore. Announcements may be ordered directly from CB Graduation Announcements. Contact 1.800.433.0296 or www.CBGrad.com. Allow ten working days for your order to be processed.
• GradImages photography service will capture each graduate receiving their diploma and standing with their diploma. An additional photographer will also be documenting the event.

Please contact the Director of Disability, Access and Success, Nikki McCann, at nikki_mccann@pitzer.edu

• There is a mandatory commencement rehearsal for all students participating in the commencement ceremony. Rehearsal takes place in Benson Auditorium, Friday, May 15, 1-3:30 PM.
• On the day of commencement, students should arrive at Benson Auditorium at 8 a.m. sharp.

• The ceremony will be located outside on the Stephen L. Glass Commencement Plaza on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will last 2-2.5 hours.
• Seating opens at 8 a.m. and is first-come, first-served.
• The ceremony will be live-streamed. The stream can be accessed at the Commencement Website. 

• At this time, there is no limit or restrictions on guest attendance. Please note, tickets are not required. [subject to change]
• All guests over 18 years of age may be required to identify themselves and show valid identification if requested to do so by event staff.
• Only current Pitzer students, employees, and guests will be permitted in the Commencement area from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• The following items are prohibited on Pitzer’s campus: weapons or anything resembling one, water guns, glass bottles, alcohol/drugs, explosives, fireworks, drones, laser pointers, whistles, air horns, noisemakers, bullhorns, amplification devices of any kind, and any other item that might be used to disrupt the ceremony.

• The Pit-Stop Café will be open from 8 am to 12 pm to purchase drinks, pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches, and burritos. We only accept credit cards and Claremont cash. The Pit Stop is located at Bernard Hall. Pit-Stop Café location.
• Hydration Stations will be available at: Holden Garden, McConnell Lobby, Volleyball Courts, and Commencement Plaza
• The President's Reception will be on The Mounds following commencement.

• Parking is available at East Mesa, Sanborn, and Holden parking lots.  Guests can also park on Claremont Boulevard and Mills Avenue.
• Please see this quick reference map for the locations of these parking lots and streets. 

• Guests who require ADA assistance getting to the Commencement tent can be dropped off at the Sanborn Parking Lot to receive support. Map
• The Avery Gates may be used as an ADA drop-off location.
• Guests who may be affected by the potential heat at the event can also view the ceremony via live stream in the Fletcher Hall, Rooms 110 and 112. Fletcher Hall is directly north of the ceremony location. Map

• The Pitzer Store will sell merchandise at the apron in front of the McConnell Center before and after the ceremony.  Hours: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cash.
• Avoid the crowds and order ahead! Direct shipping is available anywhere in the U.S. Or, order by May 1 and pick up your order at the ceremony.
• We team up with Sherwood Florist to help you celebrate your graduate in style! Order today using this link and enjoy convenient on-campus pickup on Commencement Day.

To help make your trip more convenient, we have secured special hotel room blocks for our guests. This accommodation is available at a discounted rate on a first-come, first-served basis - book early, as rooms are limited and based on availability. 

BLOCKS TBD

Questions? Email engagement@pitzer.edu 

(PZ Only)

For more information, contact:

• Dominique “Nikki” Acosta, Director for CAPAS at Dominique_Acosta@pitzer.edu 

For more information, contact:

• Joshua Thunder Little, Assistant Director of the Native Indigenous Resource Center at joshua.little@pomona.edu 

Sponsored by the Queer Resource Center of The Claremont Colleges. 

For more information, contact: 

• Pharalyn Robinson, M.S. (She/They), Assistant Director at Pharalyn.Robinson@pomona.edu   
• Bri Sérráno, Ph.D. (He/Him or They/Them), Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Confidential Support for The Claremont Colleges Community at Bri.Serrano@pomona.edu  

(PZ Only)

For more information, contact:

• Tasmia Moosani, M.A., (she/her/hers), Associate Dean of Student Success Initiatives at tasmia_moosani@pitzer.edu 

Sponsored by the 5C Asian American Advisory Board

For more information, contact:

• Cogie Celzo (he/him/siya), APIDA Academic & Student Affairs Coordinator at evin.celzo@pomona.edu

Sponsored by Pitzer College Office of International Programs

For more information, contact:

• Melissa M. Burrows, Assistant Director of Student Success Initiatives & Operations at Melissa_Burrows@pitzer.edu
• Todd Sasaki, Director of International Programs and International Student Adviser at Todd_Sasaki@pitzer.edu

Sponsored by The Office of Black Student Affairs (OBSA) of The Claremont Colleges

For more information, contact:

• obsa@claremont.edu 

Sponsored by The Chaplain's Office

For more information, contact: 

• chaplains@cuc.claremont.edu 

Sponsored by Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA) of The Claremont Colleges

For more information, contact:

• CLSA@claremont.edu