UC Merced is abuzz with celebration as students, families, friends, staff and faculty finish last-minute preparations for the largest commencement in university history.
Across three outdoor ceremonies, 1,649 students will walk the stage at Spring Commencement 2026, marking a record-setting milestone for the university. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as the university awards its 1,000th Ph.D., highlighting just how far the institution — and its graduates — have come.
The weekend begins with the Graduate Division ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, on the UC Merced Recreation Field, honoring 112 graduate students, including 75 Ph.D. and 37 master’s degree recipients.
At 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16, the School of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities ceremony will recognize 852 graduates, followed by a joint ceremony for the School of Engineering and School of Natural Sciences at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 17, celebrating 454 graduates and 343 graduates, respectively.
Adding to the excitement, all three ceremonies feature UC Merced alumni as keynote speakers:
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Friday: Emily Reed, ’07, Ph.D. ’13
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Saturday: Dr. Zi Wang, ’11
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Sunday: Christien Lindblom, ’11
Student voices will also shine, with Jacee Bento, a psychology major, speaking Saturday, and Robert Hicks, a mechanical engineering major, speaking Sunday.
All ceremonies take place outdoors, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow at least 30 minutes for parking, walking to the venue and ticket scanning. Seating is first-come, first-served for ticketed guests, and all guests must be seated before the processional begins. Graduates are permitted up to two vehicles for themselves and their guests.
Accessible parking is available for guests who already have ADA placards or plates. Parking spaces, including accessible parking, are first-come, first-served, so early arrival is strongly recommended.
All guests will pass through metal detector screening, and bag checks may occur. To help speed up entry, guests are encouraged to bring only essential items. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed; small or clear bags are strongly encouraged.
To ensure a safe and smooth experience, the following items are prohibited inside the venue:
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Air horns, megaphones or noise making devices
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Balloons, inflatables, beach balls, confetti or confetti cannons
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Signs, banners or posters that obstruct views
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Items with poles, sticks or handles
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Umbrellas or large items that block sightlines
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Alcohol, tobacco products or vaping devices
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Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
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Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives
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Tools or metal or wooden objects that could be used as projectiles
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Drones or other unmanned aircraft
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Animals, except service animals
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Backpacks (excluding diaper bags and medically necessary bags)
From first-generation college graduates to doctoral scholars, this year’s spring commencement will be filled with pride, applause and unforgettable moments — celebrating not only degrees earned but a record-breaking chapter in the university’s history.
