Commencement
THE CEREMONY

Friday, May 15, 2026 | 6:30 pm
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix
STREAMING Friends are invited to watch the ceremony from phoenixcollege.edu/live.
Student Check In
Graduates should check in at 5:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Coliseum on the north side. All graduates should check-in wearing their academic regalia no later than 5:30 p.m. You will be standing during the check-in/assembly process, which could be an extended period of time. Limited seating will be available. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Please leave all personal items with family or friends before checking in. Cell phones should be turned off during the commencement ceremony.
Directions & Parking
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
Parking at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, North Lot, is $12 per vehicle. Student participants can receive one free parking pass by visiting the Hannelly Center, Welcome Desk, prior to the ceremony.
The primary North Lot is accessible from 19th Ave and Monte Vista or Encanto.
Clear Bag Policy
CLEAR BAG POLICY
The Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum (located at the State Fairgrounds) enforces a clear bag policy for events, requiring bags to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutch purses (approx. 4.5" x 6.5") are typically allowed.
Key Details of the Policy:
- Permitted Bags: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (12" x 6" x 12" max) and one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar).
- Prohibited Items: Backpacks, non-clear purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5", luggage, computer bags, and camera cases.
- Exceptions: Medical bags or kits may be allowed after inspection.
It is highly recommended to avoid bringing bags, if possible, to expedite entry. All bags, backpacks, and diaper bags are subject to inspection upon entry.
Participation & Guests
PARTICIPATION
STUDENTS Phoenix College's commencement ceremony is held only once a year, during the spring semester. However, students complete degrees and certificates at the end of every semester (spring, summer, and fall). Graduates awarded degrees/certificates during the preceding fall or summer are also encouraged to participate in the spring commencement ceremony.
GUESTS Graduates, celebrate this important milestone as your friends and family watch from the audience. No tickets are required for guest admission, and there is no limit to the number of people you can invite.
Registration Deadline
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The priority deadline to apply for commencement is Friday, March 13, 2026. Applications submitted later will be processed when received; however, your name may not be printed in the commencement program book or displayed on the screen at the commencement ceremony. Register to participate in the Commencement Ceremony and Apply for graduation!
Register now to participate in the Commencement Ceremony!
Apply for Graduation
Register for Commencement
Explore Important Graduation & Commencement Topics
Important Commencement Topics
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