When and where does Commencement take place? 

The 83rd Annual Commencement will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026. The annual ceremony was traditionally held on the last Thursday of May on the Library Plaza Green in front of the 2000 Life Science Building, but in the last four years the ceremony has been held off campus at the Memorial Stadium near Napa High School.  This venue is larger than our Library plaza and allows graduates to bring as many guests as they want, so that we don't have to limit attendance. 

 

What time does the ceremony start and end? 

The in-person ceremony will start at 6 p.m. and it will likely go through 8:00 p.m. depending on the number of graduates that participate.We usually have about 275-200 graduates who participate in the ceremony.

 

Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?

Only students who have completed their course work from the previous Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters, as well as those graduating in the Spring 2026 are eligible. 

 

How many students participate in the ceremony?

Approximately 275-300 graduates participate in the Commencement ceremony each year. For this year's ceremony, we are hoping to have about 300 graduates.

 

Do students get a graduation information packet mailed to them?

All communications regarding graduation are emailed to the graduates using their NVC Student email account and their personal email on file. Students should check their NVC email address periodically during the month of April for ongoing Commencement communications. We also recommend that students check their spam filters to make sure they have not missed any email from NVCCommencement@napavalley.edu. Students should refer to the Commencement website for up-to-date information if they do not receive an email. Graduates are also invited to join a Commencement 2026 Canvas course to get information about the ceremony.

 

Where can I obtain a cap and gown? 

The cap and gown can be purchased at the NVC Bookstore. The cap and gown attire is required to participate in the in-person ceremony. Please contact the NVC Bookstore directly for their exact hours of operation. The NVC Bookstore  sells regalia and other graduation items such as announcements and stoles in April. The cost of the regalia was about $45 plus tax last year (estimate subject to change).

For Honor cords, please refer to the Academic Regalia page.

We encourage graduates to get their regalia early and not wait till the last minute. Sometimes the bookstore runs out of certain sizes.

 

Are guests required to have tickets to attend the ceremony?

 No, tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. It is free and open to all. There will be no restrictions on the amount of guests that you can bring.  

 

Do graduates need to RSVP to participate in Commencement?

Yes, students who plan to participate in the ceremony need to fill out an online RSVP form by the deadline of Friday, May 8. It is critical that we have an accurate count of graduates so that we have sufficient seats reserved for all participating graduates. 

 

Can I get a Graduate Information Card? 

The Graduate Information Card will be distributed to graduates during the morning rehearsal on Friday, May 15, 2026. Graduates will fill it out and have it ready when they go up the stage during the rehearsal. The card will be collected from each graduate at the end of rehearsal and should be picked up by each graduate in the evening when they arrive to check-in and line up for the ceremony. The location of the check-in table will be shared in May. Graduates who cannot attend the rehearsal can pick up a card from the Graduate Check-in Table, left of the main entrance. There will enough time to fill out the card and have it checked prior to lining up with the rest of the graduates. All graduates must have a fully completed card in their hands as they walk to the stage. Names are read from this card--not from the program.

 

Do graduates need to Check-in the evening of Commencement?

Yes, all graduates MUST stop at the Graduate Check-In Table prior to lining up with the other graduates. This is to pick up a program book and your Graduate Information Card. Your name will be read from this card--not from the program.The information card will be the only item graduates will have in their hands when they walk up the stage to receive their diploma cover.

 

What time is the rehearsal for the Commencement ceremony and how long will it be?

The rehearsal will be held on Friday, morning, May 15, at the Memorial Stadium from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The rehearsal will take about 1.5 hrs. but could be up to 2 hrs. It depends on the number of students that show up. We strongly encourage student to attend the rehearsal but it is not mandatory if you're working or taking a final.

 

If graduates can't/don't attend rehearsal, can they still attend the ceremony?

Yes. The graduation rehearsal is not mandatory; however, it is strongly recommended for students to attend the rehearsal so that they understand exactly where to check-in in the evening, how they will line up, how they will proceed, and where they will be sitting. The more students we have participating in the rehearsal, the smoother the ceremony will run in the evening. The rehearsal also gives students the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. If you can't attend the rehearsal, you should check the Etiquette Scholars website for helpful tips on what to expect during the ceremony.

 

When are diplomas mailed out to graduates?

All graduates participating in the ceremony will receive a diploma cover when they walk up the stage, containing a congratulatory note. No official or personalized document is handed out to graduates during the ceremony.

Diplomas are mailed to graduates in the month of August after the ceremony, even if you do not participate in the ceremony upon verification of completion of all their requirements. If your address changes before then, or if you have other questions regarding your diploma, please call the Admissions and Records Office at (707) 256-7207 or email  ANRMail@napavalley.edu or refer to the Admissions and Records Diploma webpage.

 

Will there be a Commencement Photographer and how can do I get my photos?

Yes, a professional photographer is on site to take professional pictures during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates who participated in the ceremony will be emailed proofs of their photos within 24-48 hours of the event/ceremony. Graduates should check their personal and NVC emails during the weekend right after the ceremony to take advantage of an early bird discount offered to graduates, only if you order within 48 hours of having received that first email.   

To view your complimentary proofs from graduation, go to www.ultimateexposures.com after the ceremony: 

• Click "Order Photos" button (top left corner).
• Select "Event Name" and enter "Napa Valley College." 
• Cilck the "Search Now" button next.
• From the dropdown list, select "2026 Napa Valley College."

Contact Information for Photographer:

Ultimate Exposures
830 Vernon Street, Suite 6
Roseville, CA 95678
Phone  (818) 781-9530
Email: MARY@ultimateexposures.com