This is your go-to page for all the things you need to think about related to getting ready to graduate and leave Haas. Bookmark it so you don’t miss any important deadlines. We will also be sending reminders for some of the key deadlines.
Checklist
Confirm you’ve met graduation requirements
DEADLINE JANUARY 28th
Be sure to review your Academic Progress Report (APR) in CalCentral before the add/drop concludes to ensure that you have met your graduation requirements. Reach out to your Academic Advisor if you have any questions.
Record your name in Slack for reading at Commencement
DEADLINE MARCH 14th
Even if you think your name is easy, please record the pronunciation in Name Coach. We want to make sure that we get your name right on this special day.
Confirm your name for the Commencement Program
DEADLINE MARCH 14th
CalNet login required.
If we don’t receive this information, we will use the preferred first & last name that is on your student record.
Order Regalia (graduation cap, gown and stole)
Timeline: March
We recommend that graduates wear official regalia for the MBA Commencement ceremony. This includes a cap, gown, MBA hood and tassel.
How to Order
We strongly encourage students to rent their regalia. It is the most sustainable and cost-effective option.
- Official Rental Site: Herff Jones – UC Berkeley
- You can either pick regalia up at the Cal Student Store or have it shipped to your home for an additional cost.
- Package Selection: Select the “Business Administration MBA” Master’s package.
- See the University Regalia FAQ for more details.
Order Deadlines
- For free shipping to the Cal Student Store the order deadline is: Thursday, March 26, 2026.
- For a fee, you can have regalia shipped to your home and the deadline is in late-April.
- If you prefer to rent your regalia in-person, you can do so at the Cal Student Store beginning on May 4. Note that lines at the Cal Student store during Commencement season can be quite long.
New Regalia Design for 2026
Please note that the official UC Berkeley regalia has been updated this year:
- Current Design: Blue gown with gold braiding and the UC Berkeley seal.
- Previous Design: Solid black gown.
If you purchased or borrowed a solid black gown from a previous graduate, you are welcome to wear it. Please know that the majority of the class will be in the new blue/gold design so there will be a level of “mismatched” regalia. We are absolutely fine with this, but wanted to be sure you were aware.
Gown Rental Assistance Program
To ensure all graduates can participate in Commencement regardless of financial circumstances, UC Berkeley offers a Gown Rental Assistance Program. If you need a free rental, please apply here as soon as possible.
Availability for Master’s gowns is limited. Should the program be unable to provide you with a gown, please contact the MBA Program Office at [email protected] for assistance.
Nominate classmates for Defining Leadership Principle Awards
DEADLINE MARCH 29th
CalNet login required.
The 2026 MBA Defining Leadership Principle Awards are your opportunity to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the MBA experience and who embody the Haas Defining Leadership Principles.
Self-Nomination for Student Speaker
DEADLINE MARCH 29th
CalNet login required.
One graduating student will represent the FTMBA Class of 2026 as the student speaker for Commencement. This is a unique opportunity to address all MBA graduates and their friends and family.
Log your Service Hours for Beyond Yourself Fellows
DEADLINE MARCH 29th
CalNet login required.
Log your volunteer hours for the Fall semester! If you complete 60 or more hours of community service during your time in the program, you will receive the Beyond Yourself Fellow designation at graduation.
Clean out your locker
Timeline: March
Please make sure to remove all personal items from your locker including food. Anything leftover will be thrown out.
Deadline to remove items is May 1st. If you are unable to come to campus to remove items, please work with fellow classmates who can on your behalf.
Request your tickets for Commencement
DEADLINE April 17th
CalNet login required.
Please only include your guests in your ticket count. All attendees, even children, need an individual ticket to enter the Greek Theater. You may request up to 20 tickets for your guests. You are already accounted for and do not need your own ticket.
Closer to Commencement, we will send you a reminder to pick up your tickets in the Program Office (Student Services Building, Suite S420).
Register for your graduation photos
DEADLINE April 17th
To receive your graduation photos, you must register with the photographer in advance. Provide your contact information and a headshot (a selfie is fine) to ensure your photos are correctly matched and delivered.
Update your status in CMG BEARS
Timeline: May
Inform CMG if are still seeking a role or if you’ve received or accepted an offer. Book a coaching appointment in CMG BEARS if you would like support.
Pick up your Commencement tickets from the Program Office
Timeline: May
Look for an announcement to pick up your tickets just as soon as they arrive in our office.
Update your diploma name and address in CalCentral
Timeline: May
Please make sure your diploma name is correct. You are able to edit your diploma name by going to your CalCentral Avatar (top right of the page) > Try the new Personal Profile!
The diploma name field has been prepopulated with your legal name and can be updated to include special/non-ASCII characters.
Make sure to also Check your Diploma Mailing Address.
Complete the Tech Offboarding Checklist
Timeline: May
On this page are instructions for claiming your @berkeley email, backing up your files, and information about Slack and CalNet access.
Review your Alumni benefits
Don’t forget that you have all kinds of alumni benefits available to you now.