Grads: Here Are Some Things to Know

two graduates looking at phone

This year's commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

See below for some tips on how to make the most of this important celebration:

Be sure to check the main Graduation webpage for updates as the big day approaches.

Remember to File for Your Degree!

You must apply for your degree no later than Wednesday, June 21, in order to have your name included in the printed graduation program.


Caps, Gowns and Stoles

  • You can purchase a Grad Pack – which includes cap, gown, tassel and diploma cover – and other regalia such as heritage or affinity stoles from the De Anza Bookstore
  • Place your order online no later than June 12 to ensure that your items are shjipped to you in time for Graduation. 
  • You can also purchase grad items in person at the Bookstore on campus, on the first floor of the Registration & Student Services (RSS) Building.
  • When you order a Grad Pack, the diploma cover will be held for you and distributed during the graduation ceremony. Diploma covers and frames are also available for purchase separately.
  • Graduates completing their studies at De Anza College with honors are eligible to wear the gold "Honors" stole during the ceremony.


Before Graduation Day

  • Please hang up your gown to remove the wrinkles. You may wish to iron out any remaining wrinkles, but please take care and use the lowest possible setting on your iron.
  • If you're not sure which Village you're in, check the list of Villages and degrees. Grads will be lining up and marching into the main hall by Village.
  • Please arrange for your family or friends to look after your personal items during the ceremony. You may not be returning to the same seat after receiving your degree, so you should not carry anything with you during the ceremony.
  • Relatives or friends who aren't able to attend can plan to  watch the livestream, with captions, on De Anza's YouTube channel.

Find Your Village: List of Villages and Majors


Graduation Day

  • smiling gradGraduates should arrive at the Convention Center between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 1. The event begins at 4 p.m. and you'll want to allow plenty of time to get parked, fix your hair or makeup and find other members of your Village so you can march in together.
  • The Convention Center is located at 5001 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara. 
    • FREE parking is available in the garage behind the Convention Center: Enter the driveway where Bunker Hill Lane runs into Great America Parkway.
    • Park on the second or third floor of the garage and follow signs to walk into the Convention Center, then down the stairs or escalator (or elevator) to the lobby.
  • Grads should go to Hall A and look for volunteers holding signs for your Village. 
    • Family members and other guests should go ahead and find seats in Halls B and D.
    • Grads will line up in Hall A and march into the main hall with other members of your Village.
  • Volunteers will be handing out name cards for each grad:
    • Fill in your name card by printing your name as you would like it to be announced during the ceremony.
    • Make sure you print clearly and if necessary write your name phonetically to help us with pronunciation.
  • The graduation ceremony starts at 4 p.m. sharp.
  • Your name will be called when it's time to walk across the stage. There will be no rehearsal, so be prepared.
  • After the ceremony ends, you're welcome to take photos in the Red Carpet area with Roary the Mountain Lion and a variety of fun props
  • Enjoy your graduation!


Parents and Family Members 

  • The graduation ceremony starts at 4 p.m. sharp.
  • The ceremony will be held indoors at the Santa Clara Convention Center – 5001 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara. 
    • FREE parking is available in the garage behind the Convention Center: Enter the driveway where Bunker Hill Lane runs into Great America Parkway.
    • Park on the second or third floor of the garage and follow signs to walk into the Convention Center, then down the escalator to the lobby.
  • Please arrive early to be sure you have time to park and find your seats: Grads should meet in Hall A, while families and guests can find seats in Halls B and D.


Disability Accommodations

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