When do I need to apply for Commencement 2026 Participation?
Communication will be sent out to all students in December or January which will include important information regarding the 2026 commencement ceremony. Please watch for an email from your Student Advisor.
For Doctorate Candidates Only
Program completion dates for doctoral candidates participating in commencement:
- May 1, 2026 – still eligible to walk in the ceremony but doctoral candidate’s name and dissertation title will not be listed in the commencement program.
Important note: Please be aware that a candidate’s program may have more stringent deadlines requiring that candidates not only defend, but turn in their completed dissertations to the library by a specific date to participate in the ceremony. Please check with Academic Affairs to ensure you meet the required deadlines for participation.
It’s the day of Commencement. Where do I go, and when?
The Commencement ceremony will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium ( 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101). Students must check in at 10:00am.
What time should my guests arrive?
The Auditorium doors will open at 11:30 am for guest seating. We ask that all guests be in their seats by 12:00 pm, so that the ceremony can begin promptly at 12:30 pm.
Please be aware that there isn’t any shade for your guests to wait in, and the line is outside until the doors open.
Do my guests need tickets for Commencement?
The number of tickets each graduate will receive is dependent on how many graduates register to participate in the ceremony. This number will be determined closer to the date.
Where can I order Commencement diploma frames?
Diploma Frames can be ordered on-line.
Diploma Frames: http://aiu2.universityframes.com
*** Please note that Diploma frames are non-refundable.
What if my guests or I need disability seating and/or assistance?
If you or your guest(s) require accommodations please indicate on the Commencement Participation Form when it is sent later this year.
The back of the venue is for those who cannot transfer in and out of the wheelchair by themselves. The very front of the venue seating, left and right, will noticeably be reserved for ADA folks who can transfer themselves from a wheelchair. 1 guest may sit with them in this section and the wheelchair must be kept at the back wall of the venue during the ceremony.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact:
Kim Scatton
(626) 270-3304
kimberly.scatton@alliant.edu
Are there any items that I need to bring on the day of Commencement?
You are required to bring your regalia: cap with tassel, gown and, for doctoral graduates only, your hood.
Will there be any photographs taken of me?
Yes. Photographs will be taken of each graduate as they receive their diploma/hood and after they leave the stage. Students will receive an email following Commencement regarding how to order photos online. Guests will not be permitted to leave their seats to take photos during the ceremony.
How do I order my regalia (cap and gown)?
Regalia can be ordered through our third party company. Once the site is live, we will inform all students.
I received my regalia but am missing the tassel. Who do I contact?
Rob Templin
gloryday_11@msn.com
Where do I return my regalia?
The regalia is yours to keep and does not need to be returned.
Will there be rehearsals?
No. There will not be a rehearsal for the Commencement ceremony.
Are degrees presented at the Commencement ceremony?
No. At the ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover but not your actual diploma.
When will I receive my degree?
It depends on when you complete your degree process. Once you complete your degree requirements you should receive it approximately 6 weeks from that date. Please be sure your correct address is on file with the university to ensure that you receive your diploma in a timely manner.
What if my name or address has changed since I submitted my graduation application?
Please email commencement@alliant.edu.
Where do I park?
Please plan to arrive early, so you are not late for the ceremony.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium Parking
Parking is located at the Paseo off of Green Street for a daily max fee of $10.00 per vehicle or underneath the venue at $15.00. Please direct friends and family to these options.
Will there be refreshments for graduates?
Yes. There will be a continental breakfast served for graduates only.
Student Speaker Information
Please note, only graduates participating in the 2026 ceremony are eligible to be a student speaker. All graduates are encouraged to submit a speech to the Campus Director, Kim Scatton, for review by Student Government Association. The criteria and deadlines are listed below. To submit a speech, email the Campus Director, Kim Scatton at on or before Monday, March 2, 2026.
The speech should be no more than 5 minutes.
Graduates from all programs are encouraged to submit a speech. Speech content should be appropriate for the audience (family, children, faculty), uplifting and inclusive of all programs.
All submissions will be reviewed and finalists will be selected and contacted on or before Friday, April 3, 2026 with comments and feedback as needed. Finalists will be asked to submit a final draft of their speech.
The selected commencement speaker will need to provide a brief bio including academic or professional accomplishments (250 words or less).
Day of Commencement
For any questions regarding a Graduation Regalia, announcements, and diploma frames please contact:
Rob Templin
gloryday_11@msn.com