CS Department Ceremony 2026: Guests

There will be two CS Department Ceremonies on June 14, 2026. An early afternoon ceremony for CS PhD and MS graduates, and an early evening ceremony for CS BS graduates. Graduates will walk the stage and receive their diplomas at these ceremonies.

Note: The University-wide Commencement is held at Stanford Stadium at 9:30 am. Graduates will not walk the stage or receive their diplomas at Commencement. Find more details about Commencement here.

PhD & MS CS Ceremony
When | Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (doors open to the public 12:00 pm, no early entry)
Where | Frost Amphitheater

BS CS Ceremony
When | Sunday, June 14, 2026, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (doors open to the public 3:45 pm, no early entry)
Where | Frost Amphitheater

Yes.

Parents and guests will need free mobile tickets for entry into the Frost Amphitheater.

Graduates do not need a ticket to enter Frost. However, you are required to have a mobile stage pass to walk the stage.

Ordering: Graduates can order free mobile tickets on Tassel in advance. Tickets will be immediately downloaded onto the graduate’s mobile device.Graduates can request up to 5 mobile tickets on Tassel.

The Stanford Commencement is a separate event held at the Stanford Stadium, go here for ticketing information. 

No.

Parents and guests will need free mobile tickets for entry into the Frost Amphitheater. 

Graduates do not need a ticket to enter Frost. However, you are required to have a mobile stage pass to walk the stage.

The Stanford Commencement is a separate event held at the Stanford Stadium, go here for ticketing information.

Each graduate can request up to 5 tickets.

The CS event planners are always striving to improve the experience for our graduates and guests. As the largest department on campus, past CS Ceremonies served over 800 graduates and 5,000 guests. The decision to provide two 2026 ceremonies, one for PhD/MS graduates and one for BS graduates, will ensure time and space efficiencies.

Commencement is Stanford’s main ceremony, bringing together all graduating seniors and advanced degree graduates with their families.
When | Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 9:30 am
Where | Stanford Stadium

The event includes: 

• The procession
• President’s address
• Keynote speaker
• Degree conferrals 

The ceremony from the processional start to the recessional of the stage members lasts approximately two hours. Graduates do not have their names called, walk across the stage, or receive diplomas at the main ceremony. This occurs at their individual school or department ceremonies. 

Tickets will be required for the main Commencement Ceremony in Stanford Stadium. Tickets or registration may also be required for other weekend events. Go here for more information about the main Commencement Ceremony.

CS graduates will walk across the stage at the CS Department Ceremonies, which will take place after the main Commencement Ceremony. 

Water will be provided.

Please note that food will not be provided at the CS Ceremonies. We encourage graduates and their families to plan accordingly.

For CS PhD and MS graduates:
The university-wide, main Commencement Ceremony concludes at 11:30 a.m., and the CS Ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. PhD and MS graduates and their families should plan accordingly and arrange lunch between ceremonies.

After the Ceremony, enjoy mingling, photo opportunities, and cookies at The Grove, located just outside of Frost.

Professional photographers and videographers will beautifully capture each graduate on stage receiving their diploma.

Our professional photographers know how to shoot without blocking views or creating distractions for the audience. So, be fully present and enjoy the moment, stay within the designated guest area, and be courteous to other attendees.

High quality, professional-grade photos and videos will be available for purchase; more details coming.

This event will be photographed, video recorded, and live streamed. Official photographs may be taken by staff for posting on Stanford websites and may be used in other university publications. By entering this event venue, you consent to Stanford University using your image and likeness.  

Yes, each ceremony will have live YouTube streaming. 

Yes, the live YouTube streaming will stay online and can be accessed after the ceremonies using the URL that will be provided.

Yes, a clear bag policy will be enforced. Find out more here.

Important: all individuals and their belonging are subject to search upon entering the venue. Entering the venue shall be deemed consenting to ALL the General Terms & Conditions and any other conditions set by Stanford University at its events. 

Go here for a full list of approved/unapproved bags, food items, bottles, chairs, blankets, and prohibited items.

Note: the clear bag policy will be enforced. Find out more here.

Frost Amphitheater is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable venue experience for all. Entering the venue shall be deemed consenting to ALL the General Terms & Conditions and any other conditions set by Stanford University at its events. 

Attendees are responsible for their own conduct and that of their guests. By entering, all guests agree to comply with this code.

Violation of this code may result in ejection from the facility and additional action as determined by venue management and the Stanford Department of Public Safety.

All guests are expected to refrain from the following behaviors or actions at all events:

• Any action that is detrimental to the venue experience, disrupts the integrity of event operations, or interferes with the ceremonies, program or presentation.
• Smoking, vaping, or use of e-tobacco products (including e-cigarettes).
• Throwing of items or liquids.
• Sitting in or occupying a seat other than designated areas.
• Any attempt to access restricted areas, including the stage.
• Failure to present a valid ticket to event staff if requested to do so at any time, or making an unlawful attempt to enter the venue.
• Possession of any item listed on the Prohibited Items list.
• Use of foul, abusive, obscene, or discriminatory (on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, age, race, national origin, religion, military status, disability status or any other characteristic) language or gestures.
• Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks or gestures.
• Intoxication or signs of impairment related to alcohol or drug use. Guests that appear to be impaired will not be permitted into the venue and may be subject to arrest.
• Failure to follow the directions of venue management or law enforcement.
• Violation of state or local laws or University policies.
• Any actions or behaviors which present harm or danger to graduates, guests, or event staff.

• Drop-off for guests with state-issued or temporary Stanford-issued disabled parking permits is available in front of Frost Amphitheater by the Lasuen Gate.
• Guests who require mobility assistance are welcome to bring their own wheelchair. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be supplied for guests..
• ADA seating will be available for guests and one accompanying member of their party.

I am an international student.  Do my family members need a visa to attend Commencement Weekend? For students who are confirmed eligible to graduate in June 2026, if your family members are not United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States, they will need a temporary tourist visa. For more information regarding visa types and the application process, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.  Your family may also reach out to their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for information related to their application process. 

I am an international student eligible to graduate in 2026.  Does Stanford need to provide any documents for my family related to the visa application process?There are no letters or documents required by the U.S. Department of State from Stanford University, its schools, or departments related to your family/visitor’s visa application process. For information about the official application process and documentation, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website. We have provided a brief summary page related to the B-2 visa process for general reference purposes.  If you have additional questions, please contact Stanford's Bechtel International Center.