Commencement 2024

Celebrating students receiving degrees, certificates and transferring.
Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 PM | San Jose Civic Auditorium
Smiling graduate gals

Grads and Transfer Students

Complete a reader card to ensure your name is pronounced correctly when you walk across the stage.


Event Day Details
  • Student check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
  • Doors open at 5:00 PM for general seating.
  • Tickets are not required. First come, first seated.
  • Due to space limitations, each participant may invite between 6-10 guests.
  • There is a bag check upon entering the venue.
  • Balloons and signs larger than 8.5 X 11 are not allowed in the venue.

Light refreshments for graduates and their families to follow the ceremony.


Parking map of San Jose lots
Event Parking

Graduates and guests can park for free during the ceremony. Check back in May for parking lot location and parking codes.

Elderly and disabled guests can be dropped off at a designated drop-off area outside the venue on W San Carlos St.

Graduation Regalia

Purchase cap and gown, as well as class rings, photos, cords, tassles, and more.


Grad Fairs in the Campus Center
Date Time
Thursday, April 25 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 21 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Stay Connected

Tag West Valley College at this year's Commencement Ceremony: #wvcgrad | #gowest

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Commencement?

Commencement will be on Thursday, May 23. The student processional begins at 6:00 PM and the ceremony will begin at 6:30 PM.

Where will Commencement be held?

Commencement will be held at the San Jose Civic located at 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113.

When will guests be allowed entry into the venue?

Doors open at 5:00 PM.

When can I check in at Commencement?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What if I have a final scheduled during Commencement?

Please work with your instructor if you need to reschedule a final to attend Commencement.

Where can I sign up for Commencement?

Students can complete the online RSVP card or visit the Transfer Center.

When is the last day to sign up for Commencement?

You can sign up for Commencement up until the last day before the ceremony. You can also sign up for the ceremony at the venue during check-in on Thursday, May 23, but we recommend that you sign up earlier.

How do I get tickets for my guests?

We will not be having tickets this year for Commencement. All guests will be allowed entry, and seating is based on a first-come, first-seated basis. A good estimate for number of guests per student would be 6-10. Please refrain from saving seats out of respect for guests who arrive on time.

Will parking be free on the day of Commencement?

West Valley College has arranged for special free parking in city parking lots for Commencement. Parking information (required codes for the parking machines and the location of the lots) will be posted here on Wednesday, May 15. Also, street parking in Downtown San Jose is free after 6:00 PM on weekdays.

I have elderly and/or disabled guests coming. How can I receive accommodations for them?

We will have special seating for guests with disabilities. Please contact Mike Scaletta from the Disability & Educational Support Programs (DESP) for accommodations at mike.scalettaFREEWEST_VALLEY or (408) 741-2453 no later than Friday, May 19 at 5:00 PM.

How do I purchase my cap, gown, and tassel?

During our Grad Fairs: ample commencement regalia (caps, gowns, tassels) will be on hand for purchase and pick up.

To preorder and pick up during a Grad Fair, visit PromoConnectionUSA.

Date Time
Thursday, April 25 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 21 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

How much does the cap and gown cost?

The package which includes the cap, gown, and tassel is priced at $37.

Do I have to wear a cap and gown?

Students receiving degrees or certificates are expected to wear the cap and gown. Students who are transferring ONLY and not receiving a degree can but do not need to wear a cap and gown. If you choose not to wear a cap and gown, the required attire is “dressy casual” in all black.

Can I use an old cap & gown or do I have to purchase a West Valley one?

As long as your cap and gown are black, you can wear them to the ceremony.

I already have a gown. Can I purchase a cap only?

Yes. The graduation cap costs $10.

Where can I get a tassel and/or honors cord? How much do they cost?

Join us at one of the 3 Grad Fairs in the Campus Center to pick up a free honor tassel (students with 3.0 GPA or higher) and /or honor cords (students with a 3.8 GPA or higher) at the Honors check-in table.

Date Time
Thursday, April 25 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 21 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where can I get a stole?

If you marked that you are transferring on the RSVP card, you will receive a white transfer stole on the day of graduation, while supplies last. The blue and orange WVC stoles are available for purchase at the Bookstore for $35.

Will there be any opportunity to take graduation pictures, or was that only at Grad Fair?

The portraits were only available at Grad Fair. However, on the day of Commencement, a photographer will be taking a picture of you receiving your diploma holder and shaking hands with the college president. Samples will be sent to you after Commencement with the opportunity to purchase prints.

Will there be food at Commencement?

Light refreshments will be provided for students at check-in and after the ceremony.

Will the event be livestreamed?

Yes, the event will be livestreamed on our Commencement event webpage.

Last Updated 3/12/24