Students eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 California Commencement and Hooding Ceremonies are those with a projected graduation date between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
In accordance with the Student Handbook, to be eligible for participation in WCU Commencement exercises, the graduate/student must have:
Completed all graduation requirements OR based on space availability, those students who are active in their final term of courses may request to participate prior to completing all graduation requirements.
For students who are active in their final term of courses and elect to participate in commencement prior to completing all of their degree requirements, the following applies:
Graduate participation registration for the California ceremony is September 7, 2026 - October 16, 2026.
Please note all commencement communication will be with the graduates WCU Email address and a Remind group.
The expected duration for the ceremony is 1.5-2.5 hours
11 AM Ceremony:
4:00 PM Commencement:
Graduates will be added to the Remind group after they have completed the registration.
Need access to the Remind Group? Submit a request here: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
Graduate and guest tickets will be distributed through the Universe ticketing platform to each graduate's West Coast University student email address on the date indicated in their registration confirmation email.
Please note that tickets will only be sent to WCU student email addresses and will not be sent to personal email accounts. All ticket requests must be submitted by the graduate.
Ticket distribution is expected between October 26 – October 30, 2026.
Be sure to order your commencement regalia before the posted deadline to ensure it arrives in time for your ceremony. Your regalia is required for participation and helps celebrate your achievement as you cross the stage. Regalia must be ordered by Friday, October 30, 2026.
Click here for more about Regalia.Located in the heart of Anaheim, California, Honda Center is a premier event venue that hosts graduations, concerts, sporting events, family shows, and community celebrations throughout the year. Situated just minutes from Disneyland Resort and within easy reach of Orange County's most popular attractions, the arena is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, shopping destinations, hotels, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Anaheim Packing District, Downtown Disney District, Angel Stadium, or enjoy shopping and dining at The Outlets at Orange. With convenient access to major freeways and Southern California's regional transportation network, Honda Center offers guests a convenient and memorable destination for both celebration and exploration.
Honda Center offers convenient onsite parking for guests attending commencement ceremonies. Parking areas open three hours prior to the start of each ceremony, and guests are encouraged to arrive at least 60 minutes early to allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Due to ongoing improvements in the surrounding OCVIBE district, traffic patterns may change, so guests should plan ahead and follow posted signage upon arrival.
Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid state-issued disability placard or license plate. Guests are encouraged to note their parking location before entering the venue for an easier departure following the ceremony.
For more information please Honda Center Parking and Transportation Page.
Before arriving, please review the Honda Center 's Know Before You Go guidelines for important information regarding bag policies, prohibited items, and the venue's non-smoking policy.
Please note that the following items are not permitted inside the venue:
Guests arriving with prohibited items may be required to return them to their vehicle or dispose of them before entering.
To view a full list of items, please click here for more information.
The Commencement Group
Honor your graduate with flowers, leis, and commemorative gifts available for pre-order through our approved floral vendor, The Commencement Group. Pre-ordered items can be conveniently picked up at the venue before the ceremony, helping family and friends celebrate with ease on graduation day. Shop now
WCU Online Store
Celebrate your achievement long after commencement. Shop the official WCU Online Store for exclusive alumni apparel, degree frames, license plates, and more. Have your favorite alumni items shipped directly to your home or to your graduate.
Graduate Photos
Pre-register your commencement photos to ensure a faster and more seamless photo delivery experience. By registering in advance, you'll receive notifications as soon as your images are available, making it easy to view, share, and order your graduation photos without delay.
If you are planning on attending and have not secured a hotel reservation search for hotel availablity via our trusted partner aRes Travel.
If you are planning on attending an upcoming 2026 Commencement ceremony, and you or your guests would like to make hotel reservations, please consider searching for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel.
Book online or call 1-800-559-3186 for assistance | International callers 1-619-546-5773
aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. West Coast University does not receive any remuneration or commission from any travel booked through aRes Travel. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
We are excited to celebrate our 2026 graduates and invite family and friends who are unable to attend in person to join us virtually. Each ceremony will be livestreamed to allow loved ones near and far to share in this special moment.
Watch the live stream of the California Commencement and Hooding Ceremony below.
Watch the live stream of the Fall CA Commencement and Hooding Ceremony below.
Yes, all graduates must register to participate in the commencement ceremony. Registration for the Texas ceremony is September 1 – October 7, 2026.
Anyone who missed the deadline to register will need to submit a late registration request form: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
Late registrants will be added based on seat availability and will receive a reduced number of tickets based on what is available.
The number of guest tickets for each graduating student is allotted will depend on the anticipated number of graduates attending the ceremony. Each guest ticket equates to one audience seat. Details about ticket delivery or pickup will be included within communications leading up to commencement.
Submit a request here: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
There will be a guest services team available at the venue to assist with seating as needed on commencement day. Please plan to arrive early if you or your guests need ADA seating as its first come first served. Special tickets are not issued to guests with disabilities.
When registering to participate in the commencement ceremony, please complete the field for accommodation.
If you registered and forgot to list your accommodation request, please submit your request: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony is the hooding of our graduate degree recipients. During the graduate recognition portion of the program, each graduate will be hooded on stage by a member of the platform party as they cross the stage and are recognized for their achievement.
To ensure a smooth and timely ceremony experience for all graduates, individual requests for specific hooding participants cannot be accommodated.
This website is your main source for Commencement information and will be updated regularly. In the meantime, direct any Commencement questions WCUCommencement@westcoastuniversity.edu.