2026 Commencement Ceremony
The RSVP for Commencement is now closed. Due to venue capacity and record high participation this year, we are unable to offer additional guest tickets. We are working diligently to see what accommodations can be made to allow for more graduates to participate in the ceremony.
While we want every graduate to be able to celebrate their accomplishments with their family and friends at Commencement, unfortunately there is limited space available in the venue.
If you received tickets for Commencement, and no longer need the number of tickets you requested, please transfer any extra tickets in the AXS Tickets app to graduation@miracosta.edu.
Additionally, graduates may transfer their tickets to other graduates via the “Transfer” method within the AXS Tickets app.
If your plans have changed and you are no longer able to participate in Commencement, please notify us immediately via email graduation@miracosta.edu.
For assistance navigating the AXS app, please see the MiraCosta College AXS App Tutorials playlist.
ceremony details
Location and Parking
Commencement will be held at Frontwave Arena (3475 Hero Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056), which is approximately two miles north of the Oceanside Campus just off Rancho Del Oro Rd. Parking is free. Please allow extra time for traffic and walking to the arena. All graduates and guests will park in Lot B (see parking and drop-off image below).
We anticipate record attendance for Commencement and encourage you and your guests to rideshare, if possible. Rideshare drivers should enter from Rancho Del Oro Rd. Turn onto La Bounty Dr and continue straight. Take the third roundabout exit onto Village Commercial Dr. Turn right onto Toyan Dr. Drop-off is on the right-hand side of Toyan Dr (see parking and drop-off image below).
Graduate Check-in
All graduates will check in and pass through security before entering the arena. Check-in for graduates begins at 3:00 p.m. There will be signage and volunteers directing you where to go from Parking Lot B. The graduate check-in area will be located at the northeast corner of the arena near the service dock (Toyon Dr. & Village Comm Dr.).
Graduate Regalia
Graduates are required to wear regalia (a cap, gown, and tassel) and are encouraged to arrive already dressed. The MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus Bookstore will have a booth at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Plaza outside Frontwave Arena.
Guests
Tickets are required for all guests 3 years and older. Guests will need a valid digital ticket (transferred by the graduate in the AXS ticketing app). Guests will show their tickets at the door in the AXS ticketing app.
All guests must pass through a security checkpoint. Please reference the venue’s website for more information, including approved bag policy and prohibited items such as backpacks and large bags, strollers, food and beverages, noise-making devices, large signs or posters, etc.
Doors for guests open at 3:30 p.m., and there will be pre-commencement entertainment outside at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Plaza from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. While the ceremony begins promptly at 5:00 p.m., please encourage your family and friends to arrive early. We anticipate that the ceremony will end during the 7:00 p.m. hour. Once guests have cleared security and entered the arena, they may not exit and re‑enter.
Accessibility
Frontwave Arena offers limited ADA accessible seating for guests, and they have staff available to attend to guest needs. ADA seating is limited to the person that needs the accommodation plus one. Please visit their website for more information about venue accessibility.
For graduates who require accommodations and did not indicate this on your RSVP form, please contact Aaron Holmes at aholmes@miracosta.edu. On Commencement Day, MiraCosta volunteers will be available throughout the ceremony site to assist graduates with accessibility needs.
Speech - Time, Place, and Manner
MiraCosta College is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment at Commencement. Our students, employees, and members of the community are permitted to exercise their rights of free expression in publicly accessible locations and areas where freedom of speech is unlikely to significantly interfere with or disrupt the Commencement ceremony.
With this spirit in mind, we expect all participants, students, employees, and members of the public to abide by our district policies. Attendees may not engage in any action that disrupts the event or prevents the speakers from being heard during the ceremony. This includes, but is not limited to, shouting over speakers, speaking out of turn, blocking others’ view of the event, disrupting official activities, and/or displaying banners and signs that block others’ view of the event. Any individuals who are disruptive will be asked to leave.
Further, it is important to recognize that our graduates have a right to celebrate their culture, traditions, and personal views at Commencement. As such, attendees should expect to see graduate clothing or decorated caps that celebrate their culture, traditions, and personal views. Please review MiraCosta College’s Administrative Procedure 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner for more information.
Please share the information above with your loved ones who will be attending.
Commencement Program
View the 2026 Commencement program
Guest Tickets Required
This year marks the first time we will be using tickets for the commencement ceremony. Ticketing helps us plan for seating and ensure a smooth and safe experience for all graduates and their guests.
- Participating graduates will receive an invitation to RSVP for the ceremony.
- Each participating graduate will be issued up to eight (8) guest tickets.*
- Tickets are free, and required for all guests age 3 and older.
- Graduates are responsible for distributing their guest tickets.
- Graduates may transfer tickets to other graduates.
- Instructions for ticket distribution will be included in a follow-up email from Frontwave Arena. More details provided upon RSVP.
Graduates are encouraged to share the livestream link with family and friends who may not receive a ticket or are unable to attend in person, so they can still celebrate the occasion.
Livestream
Livestream will be available for the ceremony. We encourage any guests who are unable to attend to join us by watching the ceremony online. Please share with your family and friends that the ceremony will be available via livestream at: miracosta.edu/live.
Pre-Order Flowers
Floral bouquets and leis are available for pre-order online. Online pre-order service is strongly encouraged. All online orders will be available for pickup on site the day of Commencement. Flowers and other commemorative items will also be available for purchase on the day of Commencement outside of the venue.
Media Recording Notice
As a public event, photos and videos will be taken during Commencement.
A professional photographer will take pictures of every graduate as degrees are conferred. Information about ordering photographs will be given at GradFest, and to access graduate photos please visit the GradImages website.
