Graduation

graduate walking to receive diploma with Mexican flag

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

One journey ends, and another begins. Graduation is a time to celebrate your successes and mark the beginning of the next chapter of your life.

Graduation Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

The graduation application window for Spring 2026 will be open from November 17, 2025 – February 13, 2026. The deadline for submission is February 13, 2026. More information about applying for graduation.

No, only degree earners are eligible for the graduation ceremony.

If you have not received an email to register for your ceremony, please contact us at [email protected] with your student ID, full name, and current email address.

Students can purchase their cap and gown online through the Merced College Bookstore until April 17th, 2026. Students can also go to the Merced College Bookstore in person to purchase and pick up their cap and gown between March 2nd, 2026 – April 30th, 2026.

Los Banos students can have their cap and gown delivered to the Los Banos Campus for pickup until April 29th, 2026.

To have your Graduation Regalia Set sent to the Los Banos Campus:

  1. Go to the Bookstore website
  2. Search for “Graduation Set”
  3. During checkout, choose Delivery location: Los Banos

Gowns will be available for pickup at the Los Banos Campus Welcome Center the next business day after a confirmation is received from the Bookstore.

Yes, a rehearsal will be held, and it should last no more than one hour. Participation in the rehearsal is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

Merced Campus: Rehearsal will be held Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 5:30pm in the stadium.

Los Banos Campus: Rehearsal will be held Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 4:30pm in A109.

Tickets are not required for guests to attend graduation.

Yes! The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube. Links to the livestream will be available on this site, or you can access it via our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mercedcollege

Merced Campus: Graduates should arrive one hour before the scheduled start time. Please arrive at the baseball field. Guests should arrive no more than 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Los Banos Campus: Graduates should arrive one hour before the scheduled start time. Please arrive at Building A, Room A110.  Guests should arrive no more than 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Graduates will be walking on grass. Please wear comfortable shoes. High-heeled shoes are discouraged.

Please contact [email protected] to arrange accommodations.

Items that are restricted from graduation are as follows: For the benefit of all attendees, the following items are prohibited from the ceremony: balloons, signs, noisemakers, and confetti or party streamers.

No, parking will be free for graduates and their guests.

Merced Campus: Seating will be in the stadium on the home side.

Los Banos Campus: Seating will be provided on the grassy area in the quad.

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