Congratulations, Thunderbirds!
Graduation is a time to pay tribute to each member of the graduating class. As students of Mesa Community College you have left, and will continue to leave, an indelible legacy of achievement and a tradition of excellence for generations to come.
Mesa Community College's Commencement ceremony is held only once a year, during the spring semester.
Please join us at the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony so we may celebrate your academic accomplishments with your family and friends.
Ceremony Details
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m., Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Desert Financial Arena | Arizona State University
600 East Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281
Participation and Access Expectations
Commencement and convocation ceremonies are special events for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience.
Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the event, and may be subject to sanctions, including Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) Student Code of Conduct and/or applicable District Policy respectively (Administrative Regulation 6.24, section 10)
Banners, flags, and/or signs of any shape and size are not permitted inside of any ceremony venue. Students are expected to carry their robes through security checkpoints entering any ceremony facility.
Only MCC employees, graduating students and authorized guests are allowed in the graduate and staff entry points, or on the floor near graduate seating and the stage.
RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony
Registration for Spring 2026 opens the week of April 2, 2026. The deadline to RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony is April 19, 2026.
Students who submitted applications for degree/certificates for the current academic year, Summer/Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 will receive an email from [email protected] with instructions on how to RSVP for the event.
If you are applying for Summer 2026 graduation and want to participate in the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony you will be added to the registration system after April 10 and will receive an email with instructions on how to RSVP.
Note: Summer 2026 graduates’ official Commencement Ceremony is the following academic year, 2027. Those who wish for an exception to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony must submit their graduation application by March 1 (three months before their regular deadline).
It is necessary to RSVP by the deadline of April 19, 2026 to guarantee seat availability in the graduate section and your name appearing on the video screen when you walk across the stage. It also helps to ensure the correct pronunciation of your name during the ceremony.
Graduation Regalia
You can now order your cap and gown online and have it shipped to your home. A cap and gown (regalia) are required to participate in the ceremony.
Deadline to order: April 26, 2026. Regalia ships within 3 weeks.
Order your cap and gown online
Students may be able to obtain a royal blue gown, royal blue cap, and red tassel from another source. Proper regalia is required for the ceremony.
How to Wear Your Cap and Gown
Our video demonstrates how the wear regalia. Visual descriptions are also available.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Graduates requiring special accommodations (blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, wheelchair, scooter, crutches, etc.) should notify Jennifer Biggs at (480) 461-7794.
Accessible seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning will be available for the hearing impaired.
Photography and Flowers
Photography
GradImages® is proud to be the official graduation photographer for Mesa Community College! You will receive your photo proofs via email or mail after the event so that you can decide if you would like to purchase any of the images. You can also search for your images on gradimages.com. Questions? Please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576. Pre-Register with GradImages before the ceremony to receive a discount!
Flowers
Floral bouquets, Orchid Lei's, Kukui nut lei's, and other gift items will be available for purchase at the commencement ceremony. Visit The Commencement Group to pre-order and reserve your gifts.
All online orders will be available for pickup on site the day of the ceremony. To retrieve your order, please stop by the booth located conveniently in the arena before the ceremony begins.
Diploma
Your application for a degree or certificate will be reviewed and processed within 45 days after the semester in which you applied, if the following criteria are met:
- You met the graduation application deadline.
- Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in the coursework (100 level and above) used to satisfy degree or certificate requirements completed in residence.
- You have completed the minimum amount of credits required at MCC.
Upon completing your degree program, you will receive a digital and physical copy of your diploma through Parchment Services. Once the diplomas are issued, you'll receive an email from Parchment via your Maricopa student email with instructions on obtaining your diploma(s) and verifying your mailing address. Additionally, you can track them online and share your diploma(s) on social media. If you have any questions regarding your diploma, visit the Parchment website for FAQs and general information.
All financial obligations to MCC must be cleared before we can release your degree and/or certificate. Visit your Student Center to update your address and check for any messages.
Live Streaming
Family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony in person can point their browser to mesacc.edu/live. While every attempt will be made to live stream the event, we have experienced technical difficulties in the past due to unforeseen circumstances.
Social Media
Tag MCC in your graduation social media posts using #mesaccgraduation.
Add MCC Graduation Stickers to your Instagram Stories and Snapchats!
- From your Instagram Story preview, add a sticker. Search for @mesacc to see the options.
- From your Snapchat preview, add a sticker. Search for @mesacc to see the options.
Know Before You Go
Orientation Video
Graduates, please review important information in our orientation video. Audio descriptions are available in the player.
Guests
Tickets are not required for this event.
Getting to the Graduation Venue
The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Visit this page for neighborhood shuttles and Valley Metro public transportation options. Maps of the venues used for ceremonies are available.
Parking
Parking lots are nearby for those driving to the arena, including ADA parking. Parking for graduation events is free (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Large attendance at ceremonies will create traffic. Exiting parking lots and parking structures will be delayed. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.
What Not to Bring
Arizona State University (ASU) has a Clear Bag Policy. Banners, flags or signs of any shape and size, as well as balloons are prohibited. Graduates and guests will be asked to return items to their cars if they do not comply. You can visit the university's website for more information.
Food and Beverage
Concession stands will be open. Attendees can purchase a range of food, water, and other beverages (alcohol will not be sold).
Attendees can also carry in clear, factory-sealed bottles of water (51 oz. / 1.5 liters or smaller) and empty plastic sports bottles to use at water stations.