人民瓜报

Commencement 2025

Celebrating students receiving degrees, certificates and transferring.
Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 PM | The Mountain Winery, Saratoga
Smiling graduate gals


Graduates and Transfer Students

RSVP for Ceremony

The online RSVP and Reader Card will open on Monday, February 24.


Order Leis
Gal in Glen logo

Flowers will be available for online pre-ordering in Spring semester. Orders will be available for pickup at check-in at Commencement.

Graduation Regalia

Students may purchase regalia online and pick up at the Campus Center during Grad Fair events below. Online purchasing will open in Spring semester.

Date Time Location
Monday, April 28 10:00 AM 鈥 2:00 PM Campus Center
Tuesday, May 13 10:00 AM 鈥 2:00 PM Campus Center

Stay Connected

Tag 人民瓜报 at this year's Commencement Ceremony: #wvcgrad | #gowest

Event Day Details

At the Venue
  • Student check-in begins at 5:00 PM. Please arrive by 6:00 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, strollers, noisemakers, and signs larger than 8.5 X 11 are not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed in the venue, except for one sealed plastic water bottle.

Light refreshments for graduates and their guests will be provided following the ceremony.

Parking and Logistics

Travel time from 人民瓜报 to the parking lot at the venue is approximately 30 minutes. Please plan accordingly.

Parking is available for free at the venue for graduates and guests. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is limited.

Elderly and disabled guests may be dropped off at a designated drop-off area at the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Commencement?

Commencement will be on Wednesday, May 21. 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 .

When will guests be allowed entry into the venue?

Doors open at 5:00 PM.

When can I check in at Commencement?

Check-in begins at 5:00 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 beginning on Monday, February 24 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. 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.

I have elderly and/or disabled guests coming. How can I receive accommodations for them?

We will have special seating for guests with disabilities. 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.

How long will it take to arrive at the venue from campus?

Travel time from 人民瓜报 to the parking lot at the venue is approximately 30 minutes. Please plan accordingly.

Are there any items prohibited at the venue?

Balloons, noisemakers, strollers, and signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches are not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed in the venue, with the exception of sealed plastic water bottles. There will be a bag check upon entry.

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 will open in Spring semester.

Date Time Location
Monday, April 28 10:00 AM 鈥 2:00 PM Campus Center
Tuesday, May 13 10:00 AM 鈥 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.

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 鈥渄ressy casual鈥 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.

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 honor tassel (students with 3.0 GPA or higher). Other tassels may be purchased separately for $8. Honors cords (students with a 3.8 GPA or higher) are available for free at student check-in on Commencement day. 

Date Time Location
Monday, April 28 10:00 AM 鈥 2:00 PM Campus Center
Tuesday, May 13 10:00 AM 鈥 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. 

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.