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Guest tickets for Commencement 2026 are free and required for entry.
- Each graduate may reserve up to four (4) guest tickets for family and friends
- Tickets must be selected for one ceremony only (10:00 AM or 3:00 PM)
- Selecting your tickets confirms your participation in that ceremony
- Tickets are first come, first served—once a ceremony reaches capacity, only the remaining option will be available
- Tickets cannot be changed or exchanged after selection
Important Notes:
- All guests age 3 and older must have a ticket
- Tickets are required for both the Gymnasium and overflow seating locations
- Selling tickets is strictly prohibited
- If you are unable to reserve tickets, please email admissions@barstow.edu with a screenshot of the issue for assistance
Additional Tickets:
If tickets remain after the reservation deadline, additional tickets may be available at Grad Fest (May 6) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Closed
The Student Commencement Speaker offers a speech during the Commencement ceremony in May and serves as the representative of the entire graduating class. If you meet the following criteria, please apply now:
- Have completed at least 40 units at BCC by the end of the Spring 2026 semester
- Have petitioned for graduation & be a 2026 graduate attending the May 22, 2026 ceremony Be currently enrolled in the 2025/2026 academic school year
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher
Applications will be reviewed based on the merit of their leadership and involvement at BCC as well as the quality and relevance of their proposed commencement speech. Finalists will interview with and deliver their commencement speech to the committee.
No late applications will be accepted.
Application Closed
If you are a current student at BCC with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, you meet the requirements to apply for the 2026 BCC Commencement Ceremony singer! This person will sing the National Anthem to our graduates and guests on May 22, 2026, in the James R. Parks Gymnasium.
After reviewing applications, the selection committee will contact applicants who meet the criteria to arrange an in-person audition.
The selection of the student singer will be based on the quality of vocal ability, quality of presentation, academic record, and contributions to campus life.
No late applications will be accepted.
The deadline to petition to graduate for students will be March 31st, 2026. Please see a counselor if you need assistance with your petition. You can call 760-252-2411 ext 7351 to schedule an appointment with your counselor or log into your Single Sign On and schedule your appointment though ESARS."
Deadline to apply: March 31st, 2026
After your petition has been approved, please check the email you provided on your graduation petition for a URL link that will allow you to reserve your spot at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
GradFest 2026: Tailgate Then Graduate!
Join us for a pre-graduation celebration to secure your essentials and celebrate your success!
- When: May 6th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where: James R. Parks Gymnasium
- Admission: FREE
Event Highlights
- Secure your Commencement Tickets.
- Pick up FREE regalia, stoles, and patches (while supplies last).
- Enter the Grad Cap Decorating Contest for a chance to win a diploma holder.
- Enjoy music, celebration vibes, and the photobooth.
Scholarship Awards Ceremony - May 15, 2026 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Performing Arts Center
Transfer Recognition Ceremony - TBD | 5:00pm - 7:30pm | Performing Arts Center
Congratulations, Graduates! The Viking Shop has you covered for all your graduation gift needs. Stop by to find flowers, leis, graduation teddy bears, and other commemorative items to help celebrate your big day before the ceremony begins!
🎓 Commencement 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
🎓 Where do I get regalia?
All graduates will receive their regalia free of charge at Grad Fest:
- Date: May 6, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: James R. Parks Gymnasium
At this time, regalia is not shipped to students’ homes. If you are unable to attend Grad Fest, please contact us at admissions@barstow.edu for assistance or alternative arrangements.
🎟️ Are tickets free? Can I get extra tickets?
Yes! Each graduate may reserve up to four (4) FREE guest tickets.
- Tickets must be reserved in advance through the online ticketing system
- Tickets are first come, first served
- You may only select one ceremony time (10:00 AM or 3:00 PM)
Additional tickets:
If tickets remain after the reservation deadline (April 30), extra tickets will be distributed free of charge at Grad Fest, on a first-come, first-served basis.
🚫 Can I sell or transfer my Commencement tickets?
No. Selling Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited. All tickets are issued free of charge and are intended only for use by your invited guests.
However, if you have extra tickets you do not plan to use, you may gift them to another graduate or contact Admissions & Records at admissions@barstow.edu to release your tickets for redistribution to other students.
Any student found to be selling tickets may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
We encourage graduates to share or release unused tickets to help ensure as many families as possible can attend this special event.
🚗 Is parking free on Commencement day?
Yes, parking is free for all graduates and guests on Commencement day.
🎓 Can I participate in Commencement more than once?
Students may participate in Commencement when they complete an eligible program (certificate or degree).
- If you earn a certificate now and return later to complete an associate degree, you may participate in Commencement again for that degree.
- Participation is tied to the completion of each distinct award.
🎖️ How are honors cords determined if final grades aren’t posted yet?
Honors (and eligibility for honor cords) are determined based on your cumulative GPA at the time Commencement materials are prepared, which occurs before final grades for the second 9-week session are posted.
This means:
- Honors cords are awarded based on your current GPA at that time
- Second 9-week grades are not included in this initial determination
📜 Can my honors status at Commencement be different from my transcript?
Yes, it can.
Because final grades (especially from second 9-week courses) are not yet included at the time of the ceremony:
- Your honors status at Commencement is preliminary
- Your official honors designation on your transcript and diploma will be calculated after all final grades are posted and verified
It is possible for your final honors status to:
- Increase
- Decrease
- Or remain the same
If you have additional questions, please contact Admissions & Records at admissions@barstow.edu. We’re here to help make your Commencement experience memorable! 🎉
