Graduation
Additional Graduation Ceremonies
How to Participate
We are tremendously proud of our students achieving their academic goals - celebrating graduation is a highlight of each academic year at College of Alameda.
Information on participating in the commencement will be available on this page and will be sent to graduates' emails during the week of April 13th.
Honors at Graduation
Associate Degree candidates with the following cumulative grade point averages at the end of the Fall 2025 semester will be recognized at graduation as follows:
3.25 – 3.49 With Honors
3.50 – 3.74 With High Honors
3.75 – 4.00 With Highest Honors
Please be reminded that this is a cumulative grade point average reflecting the grades you've recieved at all the colleges you've attended. This includes college work completed both at Peralta and other colleges. Again, Certificate recipients are not eligible for honors.
For those students graduating with Associate Degrees in June 2026, your cumulative GPA will be recalculated once grades from Spring 2026 semester are finalized. If at that time you qualify for honors, your transcript will be appropriately noted.
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Each year, a class valedictorian and salutatorian are chosen from the candidates for the Associate Degree. Certificate candidates are not eligible.
The class valedictorian is the student in the graduating class with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the Fall semester. This individual will be asked to deliver a speech to the graduating class.
The class salutatorian is the student in the graduating class with the second-highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the Fall semester. This individual will be asked to lead the class in the moving of the cap tassel at the end of the ceremony.
Keynote Speaker, Valedictorian & Salutatorian 2026
TBA
Graduation FAQ
When and where is the commencement ceremony?
The commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 3:00pm at the College of Alameda Soccer Field.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
As a graduate, you do not need a ticket for yourself. You are welcome to invite up to 5 guests.
- How to claim: Visit our Eventbrite page here: https://bit.ly/COAGrad2026
- Deadline: Please secure your tickets by Monday, May 11, 2026
- Extra Guests: If you need more than 4 tickets, please email me directly at johnnguyen@peralta.edu
Do children need tickets?
Children ages three (3) and older will need a ticket to enter the ceremony.
How can I get more tickets?
Please contact the Dean of Enrollment Services at johnnguyen@peralta.edu to request for additional tickets.
How do I get my name listed in the program?
Students who successfully completed a petition to graduate with the Admissions and Records office will have their name and degree(s) and/or certificate(s) listed in the program.
Where do I park?
Parking lots B, C and D provide the best access to the Soccer Field. Parking permits are not required.
What ADA accommodations are available?
All campus parking lots have designated disabled parking. The main entrance into the Soccer field is accessible. Ramps are located on either side of the bleachers. The first row of the bleachers includes six (6) wheelchair accessible seating areas. All guest seating is first come first serve. Interpreters will be available for graduates and guests throughout the ceremony. Graduates in need of seating accommodations should contact John Nguyen at johnnguyen@peralta.edu
Will there be a photographer?
Yes, a photographer will be taking public relations pictures as well as graduate portraits before and during the ceremony.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
Diplomas will not be provided at the ceremony. Admissions and Records will send an email notification to students during the summer informing students when diplomas are ready for pick-up from the Admissions and Records office.
Will the Graduation be broadcasted?
The ceremony will be recorded for later viewing on Peralta TV. A live stream of the ceremony will not be available.
Where do I purchase my cap, gown, and tassels?
It's time to suit up! You can order your regalia online now through our graduation portal:
-
Order Link: CoA Graduation Portal
- Ordering Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Pickup: You can collect your cap and gown on campus at the College of Alameda between May 15 and May 20. Pickup is available weekdays only, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Welcome Center in the A Building.
What is appropriate attire to wear under my regalia?
When deciding what to wear to the ceremony it is important to consider the weather and comfortability, since graduates will be standing and sitting for long periods of time and the seating area for graduates will not be shaded. Here are a few recommendations:
- Pressed slacks, trousers, khakis, dress, or skirt
- Pressed dress shirt with a tie or a blouse
- Dress socks and shoes. High heels are not recommended for reasons of safety and comfort, flats or pumps are advised. Casual sandals and tennis shoes should also be
Keep in mind, your gown should fall midway between the knee and ankle. Tassels are worn on the right side
When is the rehearsal?
There is no rehearsal.