Celebrating students receiving degrees, certificates and transferring.
Graduates and Transfer Students
Please complete a Reader Card to sign up for the Commencement ceremony.
Bouquets and leis are available for online pre-order. Orders will be available for pickup at check-in at Commencement. Limited supplies will be available at the venue for purchase.
Students may purchase regalia online and pick up at the Campus Center during Grad Fair events below.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 13 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Campus Center |
Tag West Valley College at this year's Commencement Ceremony: #wvcgrad | #gowest
Event Day Details
- Student check-in begins at 5:00 PM. Please arrive by 6:00 PM. The parking lots open at 4:00 PM.
- Doors open at 5:00 PM for general seating.
- Tickets are not required. Seating is limited. Once seating capacity is full, standing room options will be available.
- Due to space limitations, each participant may invite between 5-7 guests.
- There is a bag check upon entering the venue.
- Balloons, noisemakers, and signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches are not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed in the venue, except for one sealed plastic water bottle. Strollers are allowed on the property but not in the seating area. There will be a stroller check-in area.
Light refreshments for graduates and their guests will be provided following the ceremony.
Travel time from West Valley College to the parking lot at the venue is approximately 30 minutes up Highway 9. The route is narrow and winding, which may cause extended driving time. Please plan accordingly.
Parking is available for free at the venue for graduates and guests. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited.
Due to the terrain and the distance between the parking lot and the venue, we highly recommend all students and guests wear comfortable, flat, walking shoes.
Elderly and disabled guests may be dropped off at a designated drop-off area at the venue.
West Valley College will be providing a limited shuttle service between campus and the Saratoga Winery. All shuttles will depart on time, so please plan ahead to ensure you are able to board the shuttle prior to its departure.
Departing West Valley College: Shuttles will depart from the roundabout off of Admissions Way, between Fox and SSC. Free parking will be available in Lots 4 and 5. The first shuttle will depart West Valley College at 4:15 pm, and the second shuttle will depart at 5:05 pm. Graduating students are strongly encouraged to take the first shuttle to arrive at the winery before the procession begins.
Departing the Saratoga Winery: Shuttles will depart from the winery parking lot. The first shuttle will depart the Saratoga Winery at 8 pm, and the second and final shuttle will depart at 9 pm.
Please complete the form to reserve your spot. Each passenger must submit a response.
The deadline to sign up for the shuttle is Friday, May 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Commencement?
Commencement will be on Wednesday, May 21. Student check-in begins at 5:00 PM. The parking lots open at 4:00 PM. 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 Mountain Winery in Saratoga located at 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070.
When will guests be allowed entry into the venue?
Doors open at 5:00 PM. The parking lots open at 4:00 PM.
When can I check in at Commencement?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM. The parking lots open at 4:00 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 sign up using the online RSVP form or at one of the Grad Fair events.
When is the last day to sign up for Commencement?
Students can sign up for Commencement up until the last day before the ceremony. Students can also sign up for the ceremony at the venue during check-in on Wednesday, May 21, but we recommend signing up earlier. Regalia will not be available for purchase at the venue.
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. Once seating capacity is full, standing room options will be available. Please refrain from saving seats out of respect for guests who arrive on time. Students may invite 5-7 guests.
Will parking be free on the day of Commencement?
Parking is available for free at the venue for graduates and guests. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited. The route is winding, which may cause extended driving time. Please keep in mind that the parking lot requires some walking on an incline to arrive at the venue. Comfortable shoes are recommended for all graduates and guests. Elderly and disabled guests may be dropped off at a designated drop-off area at the venue.
How can I receive disability accommodations for myself and/or disabled or elderly guests?
Please contact Mike Scaletta from the Disability & Educational Support Programs (DESP) for accommodations at [email protected] or (408) 741-2453 no later than Friday, May 16 at 5:00 PM. We will have special seating for guests with disabilities.
How long will it take to arrive at the venue from campus?
Travel time from West Valley College to the parking lot at the venue is approximately 30 minutes. The route is winding, which may cause extended driving time. Please plan accordingly.
Are there any items prohibited at the venue?
Balloons, noisemakers, and signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches are not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed in the venue, except for one sealed plastic water bottle. Strollers are allowed on the property but not in the seating area. There will be a stroller check-in area.
How do I purchase my cap, gown, and tassel?
Students may purchase regalia online and pick up at the Campus Center during Grad Fair events below. Online purchasing is now open.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 13 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Campus Center |
How much does the cap and gown cost?
The package which includes the cap, gown, and tassel is priced at $37. Students may purchase the package here.
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 may wear a cap and gown but are not required to do so. 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 $11 and may be purchased here.
Where can I get a tassel and/or honors cord? How much do they cost?
Join us at one of the Grad Fairs in the Campus Center to pick up a free honors tassel (students with 3.0 GPA or higher) and free honors cords (students with a 3.8 GPA or higher). Other tassels may be purchased separately for $8 here.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 13 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Campus Center |
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. Blue West Valley College stoles are available for purchase for $29 here.
Will there be an opportunity to take graduation pictures?
Graduate portraits will be available at the Grad Fairs at no cost. At Commencement, a photographer will be taking a picture of students as they receive the diploma holder and shaking hands with President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza. Samples will be sent to students following Commencement, with the opportunity to purchase prints.
Will there be food at Commencement?
Light refreshments will be provided for students at check-in. Refreshments will be available for students and guests at the reception following the ceremony.
Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes, the event will be livestreamed on our Commencement event webpage.