Commencement 2026

Commencement 2026:

Anthropology Department and Folklore MA Program

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Hertz Hall

Front Desk Hours:

Monday - Friday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Office Phone Number:

510-642-3392

Commencement Details:

Location:

Hertz Hall

101 Cross-Sproul Path, Berkeley CA

How To Locate Hertz Hall

ADA Accommodations:

If you or your guest need ADA accommodations, please contact Tabea Mastel at tmastel@berkeley.edu at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement ceremony if at all possible. It may take some time to arrange accommodations. Please be specific about the accommodations needed.

Graduating Students:

Please arrive by 9:30 AM - the ceremony will begin at 10 AM. Graduating students should be in their regalia and have their name cards at hand. Name cards are used to announce your name during the ceremony and for GradImages photographers present during the ceremony.

Commencement staff will have Name cards available on the day of the ceremony. However, students are encouraged to have these ready prior to the ceremony. Students will receive name cards when they pick up their tickets.

Other comments, questions, or concerns? Please email our department email at:

anthropology@berkeley.edu

Tickets

Graduating students can get 3 free tickets and purchase an additional 2 tickets for $5 each. Note that we only accept in person payments of cash or check. Ticket pick up will begin April 29th. Registration is required before pick up.

If you anticipate requiring more than 5 tickets, please reach out Frances Bright (fbright@berkeley.edu). Graduate students can reach out to (tmastel@berkeley.edu). Extra ticket requests will be approved based on seating availability.

Note that babies and small children who sit on an adults' lap are free.

Payment Methods:

Cash and Check

Digital Payments are NOT accepted

If you are writing a check to the department, please write your check to: UC REGENT, with a memo noting Commencement 2026.

Undergraduate Advisor:

Frances Bright

Email:

f.bright@berkeley.edu

Office Number:

510-642-3616

Graduate Student Affairs Officer:

Tabea Mastel

Email:

tmastel@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)

Office Number:

510-642-3406

Top Three FAQ

What is the difference between the campuswide Commencement and department graduations? The university sponsors the campuswide Commencement, open to all undergraduate and graduate students — in every school and college — graduating in spring 2026. Graduate names are not read at the spring campuswide event.
Many departments and student groups hold smaller, more personal graduations. Registration and tickets for these graduations are handled separately through each group. You can be in the main commencement, a department one, or both! For more information contact your department, school, or college.
What do I wear? Where can I purchase graduation gear? Caps, tassels, stoles, and gowns including an eco-friendly rental option! are available at the Cal Student Store. Graduates may also dress in business casual or cocktail attire. (The university does not provide stoles, leis, and other items for the campuswide ceremony.)
How do I stay connected to Cal? The Class of 2026 graduates are eligible for a complimentary one-year membership to the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). Claim it now, and check out the benefits of a CAA membership.

Questions about parking, communications accommodations, mobility access, and more? Visit commencement.berkeley.edu.

How can I keep my Berkeley email?

New Berkeley IT Automatic Process for Alumni Email Service

To improve efficiency in the Alumni Email Service workflow, alumni no longer need to claim or opt in to retain their email accounts.

It’s Easy to Stay Connected After Graduation!

Graduating students will be automatically enrolled in the Alumni Email Service, so you can keep using your @berkeley.edu email after graduation. No need to opt in or register.

Alumni will receive more information during their grace period on keeping their account active and in good standing. For more detailed information, please visit the Alumni Email Service page.

Commencement 2026