Materials Science and Engineering Commencement
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Sunday, June 14th, 2026 | 12:30pm
Department Ceremony
Department Ceremony
The MSE Commencement Ceremony at Stanford University begins at 12:30pm at NVIDIA Auditorium in the Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center with reception to follow.
The MSE Commencement Ceremony at Stanford University begins at 12:30pm at NVIDIA Auditorium in the Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center with reception to follow.
Graduating students should arrive to NVIDIA foyer dressed in regalia between 12:00 and 12:15pm.
Graduating students should arrive to NVIDIA foyer dressed in regalia between 12:00 and 12:15pm.
Ceremony Livestream (Zoom Webinar) begins at 12:15pm PT on Sunday, June 14, 2026
Webinar ID: 949 3076 7774 Password: 140491
For Graduates
For Graduates
Congratulations, Class of 2026! As you plan for graduation and beyond, please review all items under the "Dates & Deadlines" section to make your MSE Department Commencement experience go smoothly and enjoyably.
Please review the COMMENCEMENT ESSENTIALS slides in entirety.
For information on the Stanford University Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026, please visit the Stanford Commencement website.
MSE Commencement Essentials 2026.pptx
Dates and Deadlines
Dates and Deadlines
Visit the Academic Calendar for full list of deadlines.
Friday, April 10 (5:00pm): Apply to graduate deadline for Spring Quarter degree conferral (via Axess) Applications received after this deadline will be assessed a $50 late fee
Monday, April 13: Student rental regalia website opens for ship-to-home orders. MS and PhD student hoods are School of Engineering Orange.
Friday, May 1: Deadline to RSVP to the MSE Department Ceremony
Friday, May 1: Student rental regalia shipping order deadline
Friday, May 15: Ph.D. deadline to submit Oral Defense Form with scheduled exam before July 31.
Friday, May 29 (5 p.m.): Late application deadline for Spring Quarter degree conferral ($50 fee).
Monday, June 1 – Sunday, June 14: Student rental regalia available for order and pick up
Friday, June 5 (noon): Last day to submit University thesis or Ph.D. dissertation for Spring Quarter degree conferral.
Sunday, June 14: Commencement Ceremonies
Thursday, June 18: Posting of degrees*
*degrees will be awarded with a conferral date of Commencement. Graduates will have access to official degree certifications and transcripts the day after degrees are posted.
Commencement Schedule & Regalia
Commencement Schedule & Regalia
Schedule
12:00 p.m. Graduating Student Check-in begins in NVIDIA Foyer. Graduating students, please pick up your name card at the Check-in table. Our faculty readers will use the name card to announce your name when you cross the stage and confer your degree.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m. Student Line-up. Graduates will be grouped by degree program (in order of BS, MS, and PhDs) to line up for the procession. Use your card and find your volunteer by alphabetical sign. Faculty line up on the opposite side of foyer.
12:30 p.m. – Ceremony begins with procession (Student Services will guide you to your seats).
1:30 p.m. – Ceremony ends
1:30-3:00 p.m. – Light Reception in NVIDIA foyer and outdoor amphitheater
Regalia
Full Regalia must be worn to participate in the commencement ceremony (cap, gown, tassel, hood). Please do not bring any personal items with you (purses, jackets, etc.).
MS students: wear your hood for the procession.
PhD students: please do not wear your hood to line up; carry it over your left arm. Further details will be emailed to PhD students for hooding during the ceremony.
Event Protocol and Statement on Disruptions
Event Protocol and Statement on Disruptions
Commencement season is a time of celebration and accomplishment for our graduates. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, audience disruptions or interruption of speakers is not permitted.
University Agents and staff volunteers will be onsite to ensure a smooth and celebratory event, alongside University Department of Public Safety Officers. Disruptors will immediately be asked to leave the event and are not allowed re-entry.
What to bring and do:
Academic attire (regalia) is required to participate in ceremonies as a graduate
Pack light
Pre-filled, reusable water bottle
Prepare for warm/hot weather
Wear comfortable footwear and light clothing
Fully charged phone (and maybe even an external battery)
What not to bring and do:
Signs of any size or type are not permitted, including banners and cloth, regardless of content.
Anything that obstructs the view of other attendees is not permitted. Both guests and students should stay seated during the event, unless asked to stand and walk for the diploma procession.
Large bags or backpacks are not permitted inside the auditorium.
Noise items such as air horns, bells, or megaphones are not permitted.
Outside food and drink (other than water) is not permitted inside the auditorium.
General Event Information
General Event Information
Some Tips to Make the Day More Enjoyable…
Some Tips to Make the Day More Enjoyable…
Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable. Hats, visors, and sunblock are recommended.
We recommend that guests and graduates eat a hearty breakfast and pack a snack. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Stanford Stadium. An hors d'oeuvres reception will follow the MSE Department ceremony at 1:30pm.
Water will be available at both ceremony locations. You may wish to bring your own water as well.
Comfortable, close-toed shoes are recommended for walking across campus.
Smoking is prohibited in outdoor spaces holding events during the weekend.
Parking
Parking
The ceremony and reception will take place at the Huang Engineering Center's NVIDIA Auditorium denoted by the yellow star. The auditorium is located on the ground floor of the Huang Center.
Arrive early to get the best parking and ensure that you are not late to line-up. The closest free parking lots will be the Roble Field Garage or the Via Ortega Garage. If parking is difficult on Sunday, you may find parking in the Tresidder parking lot as well. For information on any available Marguerite Shuttle routes for that Sunday, click here.
Seating
Seating
The MSE Department ceremony has open seating and tickets are not required. Doors will be open at 11:30am, should families choose to arrive early and reserve seating. Please note that personal items should not be left on the seats as no security will be available. Academic Affairs reserves seats in advance only for guests in wheelchairs or who need special access at the MSE ceremony.
Accommodations
Accommodations
If any guests need special accommodations at the MSE Department ceremony, please contact the MSE Office of Student Services ahead of time to make the necessary arrangements. In addition, please visit the Stanford Commencement Accessibility page.
Diploma Distribution
Diploma Distribution
Diploma Distribution: Diplomas are mailed following degree conferral. Diploma delivery takes between 6 to 8 weeks in the U.S., and may take longer for international shipping. To place an expedited request and to see when diplomas will be distributed, read this “How to obtain your diploma” guide.
If you require evidence of degree conferral prior to receiving your mailed diploma, please review these alternate ways to verify degree completion.
Diploma covers are distributed at Commencement ceremonies. If you are unable to attend Commencement but would like a diploma cover mailed to you, you may order one from the Diploma Request Portal. Shipping fees for domestic and international mailing will be assessed.
Questions or concerns?
Questions or concerns?
Please direct any questions or comments about the Department Ceremony to MSE Student Services: msestudentservices@stanford.edu.
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