Graduation Season at Chaffey: A Student Guide for 2026
By Dorothy Vazquez
Applying for Graduation
Graduation season at Chaffey College is here. While it marks an exciting milestone, it also comes with a series of deadlines and steps that can be easy to miss.
For students planning to graduate in spring 2026, timing matters. The deadline to apply for your degree certificate falls on Fri. Mar. 27 before 4 p.m., leaving a limited window to submit the required application. Without it, your degree or certificate will not be awarded and may be pushed to the next term.
Before applying, students should meet with a counselor for a graduation check. While it is not always required to submit the application, this step helps confirm eligibility and can prevent delays in receiving a degree or certificate.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the application for your degree or certificate is done through the Chaffey portal. Students can log into the self-service app and select the option to apply to earn their degree or certificate.
Screenshot courtesy of Dorothy Vazquez: Where students can apply for their degrees or certificates in the digital self-service portal.
Graduation vs. Commencement
"Graduation” and “commencement” are often used interchangeably but they refer to different things. Graduation is the completion of your degree or certificate while commencement is the ceremony where that achievement is recognized.
Students who plan to participate in the ceremony must also take an extra step to RSVP by Fri. Apr. 10. This step is separate from the graduation application and is required to secure a spot in the ceremony.
Costs and Support
Graduation can get a little expensive. A grad bag costs a total of $110 and includes the cap, gown, tassel and other items needed for the ceremony. Grad bags will be available for purchase during Grad Fest events in Apr.
Some students may qualify for additional support. Programs such as EOPS, CalWORKs and Panther Care may cover the cost of a grad bag for eligible students. Those who qualify will receive more information through their program and are encouraged to follow those instructions before purchasing.
Chaffey also offers grad bag scholarships through the Chaffey College Foundation. They are first come first serve, so students should apply as early as possible. The application opens Mar. 31 and closes Apr. 12.
Grad Fest and Preparation
As graduation gets closer, Grad Fest is where students can pick up guest tickets and buy caps and gowns in one place.
Grad Fest will be held across all three campuses in late April, with events taking place at the Fontana campus on Apr. 21, Rancho Cucamonga campus on Apr. 22 and Chino campus on Apr. 23.
If you are unable to pick up guest tickets during those dates, you can still pick them up at Student Life (CCE-124) on the Rancho Campus. Tickets must be picked up by May 8 at 4 p.m.
In addition to Grad Fest, Chaffey clubs and programs also offer graduation celebrations throughout the season. Students can indicate their interest in these events when completing their commencement RSVP.
What to Expect on Commencement Day
The spring 2026 commencement ceremony is scheduled for Thurs., May 21 at 4 p.m. at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.
On the day of the ceremony, students should plan to arrive early — around 2:30 p.m.—as recommended on Chaffey College commencement webpage, to allow enough time for check-in and lineup before the event begins at 4 p.m.
There is no rehearsal so students will be guided throughout the process by staff during the lineup and the ceremony. Because space is limited, it is recommended to bring only essentials and wear comfortable shoes.
Guests should also plan ahead for arrival. Free parking at the Toyota Arena will open around 2 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m. Students and guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and security before the ceremony begins.
Graduates should also plan accordingly for the event. Proper regalia, including a cap, gown and tassel, is required to participate in the ceremony.
Graduation may come with a long checklist but staying informed and planning ahead can make the process more manageable.
For more details, students can visit the Chaffey College commencement webpage.