Graduation

2026 Aspen University Commencement – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ceremony Overview

When and where is the Commencement Ceremony?
The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center (111 Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101 – Hall C).

What time should students arrive?
Student check-in begins at 1:00 PM in Rooms 8–9 on the Upper Level. All students must be checked in by 2:00 PM. The ceremony begins at 2:30 PM. Students arriving late may not be permitted to participate in the procession.

What is the student check-in and procession process?
After check-in, students will line up in Rooms 8–9 by College and process from the Upper Level to Hall C at approximately 2:00 PM. Once in the Main Hall, they will be guided to their seats. Students will be called by program to walk across the stage. Students will hand their name card to a staff member before crossing the stage and will return to their seats afterward.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Aspen University’s official social media channels for guests who are unable to attend in person.

How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.

Registration

How do I register for Commencement?
Eligible students should RSVP using the link emailed to them. The RSVP deadline is May 29, 2026. During registration, students will confirm the pronunciation of their name and their program. Students’ names will be displayed during the ceremony, so please ensure both name and pronunciation are confirmed accurately. Please email registrar@aspen.edu if any corrections need to be made.

Guest Information

Do guests need tickets?
No tickets are required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

How many guests can I bring?
Guest count will be confirmed after June 29th.

Are there assigned seats for guests?
No. Student seating is reserved, but all guest seating is open and first-come, first-served. Guests may not save large blocks of seats.

When can guests enter?
Guests may enter Hall C starting at 1:00 PM.

Can my child sit with me during the ceremony?
No. Students sit in a reserved seating area separate from guests. Minors must be accompanied by another adult.

Venue Policies & Parking

Are there venue restrictions?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center does not allow balloons, confetti, outside food or beverages (reusable water bottles permitted), or saving large blocks of seats. Security may enforce these policies.

What parking is available?
On-site parking is available at the Convention Center garage via the Harbor Drive entrance. There are no in-and-out privileges, and overnight or RV parking is not permitted. Parking fees typically range from $20–$35 per vehicle. Additional off-site parking is available nearby.

Regalia & Dress Code

What should I wear?
Commencement is a professional event. Students should wear business professional or semi-formal attire under their regalia. Comfortable dress shoes are recommended.

What regalia do I need?
Undergraduate students wear a cap and gown. Graduate students wear a cap, gown, and hood. Graduates must bring their own regalia, which can be ordered through Aspen University’s Jostens store. (Note: Regalia orders typically take at least 5 weeks to arrive, so order early.)

Can I decorate my regalia?
Yes. Students are encouraged to decorate their caps and may wear additional stoles, honor cords, or leis that celebrate achievements or culture.

Who receives honor cords?
Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and Master’s or Doctoral students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher will receive Aspen University-issued academic honor cords at check-in.

Are stoles required?
No. Stoles are optional and may be purchased through Jostens. Stoles are purchased by students and not provided by the University.

What about hoods for graduate students?
Master’s students should arrive wearing their hoods. Doctoral students will be hooded on stage by their Program Dean.

During the Ceremony

What do I need to bring with me?
Bring your name card and regalia. Name cards will be provided to students upon check-in on the day of the event.

Will there be a photographer?
Yes. A professional photographer will take photos as graduates cross the stage. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony.

How can I tag photos on social media?
Use the hashtag #aspengrad2026 to share your celebration photos.

Will photography and video recording take place?
Yes. Professional photography and videography will occur during the event. By attending, participants acknowledge that images or recordings may be used for marketing purposes.

Special Note:

United States University’s Commencement Ceremony will be held earlier in the day at the same venue.

Guests attending Aspen University’s ceremony should plan to arrive at the designated entry time, as the venue will be cleared between ceremonies to allow staff to reset and prepare the space.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as both institutions come together to celebrate this important milestone for our graduates.

Accommodations

How do I request accommodations?
Students who need accommodations for hearing, sight, service animals, mobility, lactation, or other needs should email accessibility@aspen.edu no later than August 01, 2026. The University will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests.

Guest accommodations beyond accessible parking, entryway ramps, and elevators are limited. However, if a student is aware of a guest who will need additional accommodations, please email accessibility@aspen.edu no later than August 01, 2026. The University will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests.

Travel

What is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport to the San Diego Convention Center is San Diego International Airport (SAN), located approximately 15 minutes from the venue. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel accommodations.