Information
Tickets
All graduating students who signed up to participate by the deadline will have a chance to receive 2 complimentary tickets to the 2026 Political Science Department Commencement at the Greek Theater. Details about picking up complimentary tickets will be emailed to students who signed up to participate in our 2026 commencement ceremony.
Here's some information for participating students and guests:
Participating students will be able to pick up their 2 complimentary tickets in the lobby-hallway area around the corner from 210 SSB (2nd floor) from Monday, April 20 until Thursday, April 30 during the following days and times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (NOT Fridays e.g., April 24)
10:00 am to 12Noon and
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Participating students must appear in person with a photo ID - either your student ID or driver's license.
The last day to pick up the 2 complimentary tickets is Thursday, April 30th before 4:00 pm.
Complimentary tickets will not be available for pick up after this date.
Additional tickets will be available for purchase by phone at (510) 642-9988, online and in person at the ticket office in Zellerbach Auditorium on starting Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Ticket office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12Noon to 5:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
There is no limit to the number of tickets that may be purchased. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $20.
Purchase in advance, if possible. Tickets will be $25 the day of the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, tickets can only be purchased at the North Gate of the Greek Theater starting at 6:00 pm when the gates open.
Additional processing fees apply if tickets are purchased by phone or online.
Children 2 and younger are free, and adults may pick up complimentary child tickets at the Ticket Office at the Greek Theatre on the day of the ceremony.
Graduation Announcements
Graduation announcements are formal notices to send to family and friends announcing your graduation. Announcements come in two forms, generic or personalized, and can be purchased from the Cal Student Store(external link).Announcements are formal notices, not invitations. You may include an invitation with your announcement.
Cap & Gown
The university has launched a rental graduation gown program this spring in partnership with the Cal Student Store and Herff Jones. Instead of the option to purchase a single-use plastic (polyester) gown, graduating students will rent regalia. These rental gowns are higher-quality, navy blue, and branded with the UC Berkeley seal. Look for emails from campus with additional details. Refer to Commencement FAQ (What do I wear?). This will be the first place campus will share the link to order regalia once it's available.
Hoods
Masters and Doctoral students can rent hoods for the ceremony from the Cal Student Store(external link). You can also purchase your graduation gown and hood.
Honors Cords
Students completing their honors thesis in Political Science are eligible to wear an honors cord during the commencement ceremony. Cords will be conferred at the Honors Reception (students will be notified of the exact day and time via e-mail).
Professional Photographs
Professional photographs at the ceremony will be taken by Grad Images Photo.