2026 Commencement, Convocation ticket information

The University of Delaware will hold its 176th Commencement ceremony at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Delaware Stadium, with college convocations scheduled May 19-22.

Here are essential things to know for those planning to attend.

1. Tickets are required for entry

Commencement and college convocation ceremonies are ticketed events. All attendees - including graduates - must have a ticket to enter. Those without a ticket will not be admitted.

2. Ticket reservations open Thursday, April 16

Students eligible to graduate will be able to reserve tickets for themselves and their guests beginning April 16.

• Commencement: Each graduate may reserve four guest tickets.

• Convocations: Guest ticket quantities vary depending on the venue capacity for each ceremony. Please review the schedule to see how many guest tickets are available for your college's convocation.

Tickets are allocated per graduate, not on a first-come, first-served basis. If guest tickets remain after the reservation window closes on May 8, graduates will receive an email with instructions on how to request additional tickets.

3. Graduates must confirm graduation eligibility before reserving tickets

Students graduating in summer 2025, fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026 or summer 2026 are eligible to participate in the Class of 2026 Commencement ceremony and their college convocation.

To confirm that you are listed as eligible to graduate:

• Undergraduate students: Verify your expected graduation term.

• Graduate students: Follow the Steps to Graduation process.
  

To ensure you can reserve tickets when the system opens on April 16, please confirm your graduation eligibility no later than April 4.

Review the full schedule of events, including ceremony times and locations, on the Commencement website.

Additional information

Students participating in the ceremonies must wear official academic regalia (cap and gown). The Barnes & Noble UD Bookstore is the only approved vendor for University of Delaware regalia. Regalia must be ordered by April 6. For details about ordering regalia, please visit the regalia information page.

All seniors are encouraged to attend the Life After UD resource fair, scheduled Tuesday, April 7, from 12-3 p.m.; Wednesday, April 8, from 12-3 p.m.; and Thursday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore. During the event, students can pick up their regalia and learn about the resources available to them as they transition from students to alumni. Attendees will also receive special giveaways.

Grad Images will be in the store during the fair, and appointment times for graduation photos can be reserved online.

For those unable to attend the May 19-23 ceremonies, events will be streamed live online at UDLive, with recordings available at a later date for future viewing.

For more information about Commencement 2026, visit the official website. Questions may be emailed to [email protected].