Two women dressed in regalia at their commencement

National University Commencement 2026

Congratulations Graduates!

Congratulations, Graduates! National University invites you, your family, and friends to celebrate your remarkable accomplishment Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056

Please review the important information necessary for your special day. Questions should be directed to [email protected]. It is our sincere desire to provide a memorable event that showcases your outstanding achievement.

Important Deadlines and Information for Graduates

Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony student must have their degree conferred from May 2025 through February 2026 or be within 3 classes of program completion 45 days before the day of the commencement ceremony.  
 
Doctoral students currently in their DIS sequence must successfully defend their dissertation by March 31st, 2026, to attend the commencement ceremony. A link to register for the commencement will not be sent until dissertation defense has occurred.
 
*Students who participated in Grad Walk 2025 or Commencement 2025 are not eligible to participate in commencement 2026.
 
Eligible students will start to receive registration links on January 5, 2026.		Deadline Date:  03/31/2026
Commencement Ceremony Registration
A commencement ceremony registration must be completed on the Tassel website to participate and walk in the ceremony. Students must register with Tassel at least 45 days before the day of the commencement ceremony.
 
A Tassel registration link will be emailed to eligible students in their NU student email or primary email address.
 
Due to space limitations, the event will only be available to the first 1100 eligible students (per ceremony). Students need to register to secure a spot in their ceremony.
 
If you did not receive an invitation to register and are eligible to participate in our commencement ceremony, please email us at: [email protected]		Deadline Date:  03/31/2026
Legal Name Change
Students’ legal names will be used on Commencement Day.  
 
To request a change to the name used in your Tassel registration for commencement, please email [email protected]		Deadline Date:  03/31/2026
Regalia
Caps & Gowns are required for all students. To order your regalia, click on the link below: Academic Regalia by Jostens (Cap & gown, diploma frames and announcements)
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1006793/National-University/Graduation-Caps-and-Gowns/col_greg_1006793/CATALOG_COLLEGE?subCatalog=true
 
Military students may elect to wear their dress uniform in lieu of regalia.		Deadline Date:  03/27/2026
Tickets
Tickets are required for all students and guests over the age of 2.

• Students can reserve a maximum of 4 guest tickets.
• Tickets may be ordered via Tassel website after successfully registering for the commencement ceremony.		Deadline Date:  04/01/2026

Graduate Information

  • Graduates will enter via the loading dock ramp on Village Commercial Drive near the intersection of Toyon Drive.
    • Look for “Graduates Enter Here” sign.
  • Tickets are required to enter Frontwave Arena
    • You can provide a printed ticket or, the QR Code from your phone.
  • Graduates will receive a card that lists their name as it will be announced and displayed during stage crossing. Do not lose your card.  
  • Honors Cords can be picked up at the Grad Check-In area.
    • Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:  
      • Undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
      • Graduate and Doctoral students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher
  • Once check-in is complete, Graduates will line up for the processional. Graduate seating on the arena floor is assigned by college and degree level.
  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
  • Your official diploma will be mailed to you approximately six weeks from your conferral date. If you have not received your diploma within this timeframe, please contact [email protected].

Graduate Accommodation Requirements

If you are a graduate attending commencement and require accommodations, please email Student Accessibility Services ([email protected]) with your request. Please allow as much notice as possible (no later than March 27, 2026) – last minute requests cannot be guaranteed.

Guest Information

  • Tickets are required for all guests over the age of two.
  • Guests may enter Frontwave Arena from the Northeast Entrance (identified with a Pala Casino Premium Entrance Sign) (@ Hero Dr. near Village Commercial traffic circle), the Northwest Entrance on Hero Dr., and the West Entrance (ADA accessible, adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Plaza)
    • You can provide a printed ticket or the QR code from your phone.
    • Strollers are not permitted inside Frontwave Arena. 
  • There are no assigned seats for guests, however, special seating can be arranged for those who need assistance. Please request assistance from a Frontwave Arena Guest Experience representative.

Planning for the Day

Frontwave Arena is a wonderful venue for our Commencement. It is also a large space which often requires walking, climbing stairs, and/or standing for long periods while graduates and guests find their seats and take part in the festivities. Please make sure to plan ahead for those in your party who may have mobility concerns.  Some recommendations include:

  • Arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
  • Bring your own mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.).

Interpreting/Captioning Services

To make our commencement accessible to as many persons as possible, real-time captioning and American Sign Language interpreting will be provided via the video monitors for the duration of the event.  If you require additional interpreting or other communication aids in navigating the Arena, please make sure to arrange individual services with your preferred provider. Also, consider reviewing the Frontwave Arena Accessibility Guide https://www.frontwavearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility prior to attendance.

Frontwave Arena Information

Academic Regalia & Vendor Information

Countdown to Graduation!