Commencement 2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saddleback College Stadium

Interactive Map

Find parking, staging areas, and other information.

View Our Interactive Map

Commencement Booklet

View a Digital Copy of the Commencement Booklet

Livestream of Ceremony and Be Social with Us!

Access the Livestream of the Ceremony

Share your commencement photos using #SADDLEBACKGRAD23 on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  • Instagram – @SaddlebackCollege
  • TikTok – @Saddleback_College
  • Twitter – @SaddlebackColl
  • Facebook – @SaddlebackCollege

2023 Commencement Ceremony RSVP

RSVP for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony! If you are receiving a degree, a certification, or transferring, we want you to participate in the ceremony!

RSVP Here

NOTE: RSVPs are not required, but highly encouraged. They provide us with a headcount and the ability to send out information to students and guests.

    Caps and Gowns

    Caps and gowns will be provided for graduates this year for FREE! You do not need to purchase a cap and gown, but will need to pick one up to participate in the ceremony.

    Pick up caps and gowns in the bookstore during regular hours.

    If you need a cap and gown mailed, the bookstore will work with you to coordinate shipping costs. Please call (949) 582-4715 or email 0296mgr@follet.com.

    Caps and gowns will also be available on the day of the Commencement Ceremony in the graduate check in area.

    Additional caps, tassels, and other items are available for purchase in the bookstore or online.

    Lavender Celebration RSVP

    Join us for our first Lavender Celebration! All members and allies of the LGBTQ+ Community are welcome. Graduating and transferring students will receive a lavender stole that will have the progressive flag on it for anyone who would like to wear it to the Commencement Ceremony on May 25.

    RSVP Here

    Contact Chris at scpride@saddleback.edu with any questions.

    Saddleback College Commencement FAQs

    Tickets are not needed by graduates and guests to attend. The stadium has ample seating for guests. We ask that graduates RSVP for the ceremony to give us a head count of how many to anticipate, but the RSVP is not required to attend.

    A cap and gown are FREE this year for graduates. Graduates will need to wear a cardinal colored cap and gown to the ceremony. You can pick up a set in the bookstore during normal operating hours. We will also have them available on the day of Commencement when you check in for graduation at the practice field.

    Members of religious orders or commissioned U.S. military officers may wear their customary habit or dress uniform if you would prefer.

    Yes! Caps can be decorated but must not block the view of any graduates on the field.

    Regalia gowns may not be altered or decorated. Gowns must remain in the state they were purchased as that is the appropriate and approved regalia for our ceremonies. 

    Saddleback graduation sashes and stoles representing Saddleback organizations or proclaiming a vocational aspiration may be worn with cap and gown. Wearing multiple stoles is permitted.

    Recognition cords, pins and medals awarded by Saddleback organizations and departments may also be worn with cap and gown.

    Graduates who are receiving a diploma and meet the requirements for honors (Cume Laude, Summa Cume Laude, Magna Cume Laude), can pick up their cords, tassels, and stoles during check in.

    During the commencement ceremony, you will be handed the cover for your diploma/certificate.  Diplomas and certificates will be mailed at a later date in the fall to all candidates who have completed their requirements.  If you move, please update your address online through MySite to ensure that you receive your diploma. Contact Admissions and Records with any questions.

    Graduates can begin arriving at 3:30p to begin check-in at the practice fields directly behind the stadium. Check-in will be closer to Lot 1a side. Graduates must be ready to line up by 5p for the processional on the practice fields. Please allow adequate time to check in with Admissions and Records.

    Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided to graduates/faculty/staff at the gymnasium landing.

    Guests may begin arriving at 3:30p. The stadium will be open at this time for guests to begin getting seats. Provide ample time for parking and to ensure guests get the seats they want in the stadium, as they are first come first serve.

    Faculty and staff will check in at the practice fields as well.

    No parking passes are required. Parking is free on campus during the Commencement Ceremony.

    • Guest drop off will be available in Lot 1A.
    • Disabled Parking will available in Lots 1B and 1A.
    • Closest parking to the venue for guests are Lots 1, 4, 5B, 5, 5A. and 7.
    • A shuttle will be going between lots to assist individuals who may need a ride to the venue.


    View the Commencement Map

    Volunteers will be available to answer guest questions throughout the venue. They will be wearing commencement badges.

    ADA seating is available in locations throughout the stadium. Wheelchair seating is available on the lower concourse areas and at the top of the stadium on the home team side (accessible via elevator). Most seating is bench seating, but there is a section on the home team side that has backed chairs. Arrive early if you may need seating in that location.

    Concessions will be available during the ceremony serving coffee, drinks, and snacks.

    The bookstore will have a tent set up near concessions for purchase of items.

    A First Aid Tent will be on site near the concession area.

    Professional photographs by Grad Images will be taking pictures during the event for purchase after commencement. https://www.gradimages.com/

    Photo opportunities for students and guests will also be available before and after the ceremony at various locations around the stadium. We will have step and repeats and congratulatory signs for you to take pictures in front of before and after.

    The Ceremony is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of graduates. We as that graduates stay for the entire ceremony.

    Yes, the link to the livestream (available above) and a digital copy of the commencement booklet will be available on the commencement website.

    Student Speaker Information

    Student Speaker Applications are now closed.

    We are looking for amazing students to speak at the 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

    Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

    Submit an Application and Attach Your Speech

     

    If you are selected for this Group Speech, your story will be incorporated into a group speech that you will be expected to rehearse. Rehearsal will take place the last three Fridays of the semester from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on campus.

    View an Example of Last Year's Group Speech