Grad Fest

Student posing in front of SJSU letters and the Dignity Arch

Save the Date: October 20-21, 2026

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

The deadline to place academic regalia orders online for pick-up at Grad Fest is Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Grad Fest is a one-stop-shop for Graduation and Commencement. Located on the Seventh Street Paseo plaza, in between the Student Union, Student Wellness Center and the Provident Credit Union Event Center. Open to all participating graduates!

  • Purchase the required regalia for Commencement
  • Pick-up graduation/commencement merchandise
  • Gather information about Commencement and get in-person assistance
  • Check in on your Application for Graduation with the Registrar/GAPE offices
  • Connect with the SJSU Alumni Association
  • Learn about SJSU's Career Center services
  • Great deals on SJSU graduation and alumni gear
  • FREE professional photography session

Missed Grad Fest? Order your academic regalia online by Friday, November 20, 2026 to ship to your home in time for Commencement. The deadline for expedited home shipping is December 1, but comes with a higher shipping cost.

GradImages Photography

Book a free* photography session with San José State University's official Commencement photography partner GradImages by visiting the scheduling website. GradImages will have a cap and gown available to borrow for this photography session. Graduating students are encouraged to bring their own stoles and masters hoods. 

*no payment to participate or due up front. Only pay for the photographs you want after seeing digital proofs, after the session. 

Join the SJSU Alumni Association

Commencement isn’t the end of your SJSU journey—it’s the beginning of a lifelong Spartan community. As a member of the Alumni Association, you’ll stay connected with fellow Spartans, access exclusive benefits and be part of a network more than 330,000 strong.

Membership in the Alumni Association comes with valuable perks, including career support, professional development opportunities, travel and insurance discounts, and invitations to special events. It also provides access to opportunities to connect and give back through chapters, regional networks, and volunteer opportunities. And you can get a 50% discount if you join within one year of graduating!

Keep your connection strong by updating your information with us when you move or change jobs—we want to celebrate your milestones and help you continue to grow.

Shop for Commencement Merchandise

Explore all the festive options available through San José State University's official Commencement shopping partner HerffJones, from graduation announcements, class rings (for which you can get measured in-person during Grad Fest) and a wide variety of diploma frames.