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.
To participate in our graduation ceremonies, once you have fulfilled the requirements for your degree or certificate, contact your counselor to Petition for Graduation.
Counselors are also your key to creating a Student Education Plan to guide you on a path from enrollment to graduation.
Information on participating in the commencement will be available in early April.
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?
Yes. Guests attending the ceremony will need a ticket to enter the Soccer Field. Each graduate that has submitted an RSVP to participate in the ceremony by the deadline will receive four (4) tickets. Tickets will be distributed at the commencement rehearsal.
Do children need tickets?
Children ages three (3) and older will need a ticket to enter the ceremony.
How can I get more tickets?
After the RSVP deadline, the Office of Student Activities will determine the number of additional tickets available. Based on the number of additional tickets available, each graduate will receive an increase in the total number of tickets provided (for example: instead of four (4) tickets, each graduate could receive six (6) tickets). However, if additional tickets are not available each graduate will only receive the allotted four (4) tickets. Graduates that need additional tickets are advised to ask fellow graduates for their unneeded 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 can notify the Office of Student Activities on the Commencement RSVP form. Contact the Dean of Enrollment Services at johnnguyen@peralta.edu with any questions
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 broadcast?
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, tassel etc?
Graduates can purchase all regalia (i.e., cap, gown, and tassel). The website to purchase will be available on April 1st. Please contact Dean John Nguyen at johnnguyen@peralta.edu if you have any questions.
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?
Yes, rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates. During the rehearsal, you will receive important information about the ceremony, practice the procession, seating, and recession. Tickets will be distributed at the end of the rehearsal. Graduates who are unable to attend rehearsal must email the Office of Student Activities at johnnguyen@peralta.edu. Graduates that do not pick up their tickets at rehearsal are not guaranteed tickets for the ceremony.
Is the rehearsal mandatory?
Yes, rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates. During the rehearsal, you will receive important information about the ceremony, practice the procession, seating, and recession. Tickets will be distributed at the end of the rehearsal. Graduates who are unable to attend rehearsal must email the Office of Student Activities at johnnguyen@peralta.edu. Graduates that do not pick up their tickets at rehearsal are not guaranteed tickets for the ceremony.