Commencement 26 – Email Archive

Click here to find copies of previous Bear Necessities, our weekly Thursday newsletter.

Make sure to check it out each week, or read the archives to ensure you stay up to date.

Dear Student,

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the commencement ceremony survey and submit your ticket request. Your final 2026 Commencement Ceremony allotment is XX tickets.

We are committed to ensuring that every graduate can share their graduation day with family and friends. To accommodate a larger number of graduates participating in the ceremony and a recent seating update at the Greek Theatre, which resulted in 800 fewer seats, we have adjusted the ticket limit to 12 per student. This ensures that everyone can have guests attending this milestone celebration.

• Request of 12 tickets or fewer: Your ticket allotment remains unchanged, and your request has been approved.
• Request exceeding 12 tickets: You have been allotted the maximum number of tickets (12). Additional tickets may be available the morning of Commencement.
• Ticket pick-up instructions can be found on the Commencement Website. 

Commencement Livestream & Haas Reception

The ceremony will be livestreamed, and our Events team is exploring on-campus viewing options. All guests, regardless of whether they have a ceremony ticket, are warmly invited to attend the reception in the Haas Courtyard immediately following the commencement. No tickets are required for the reception, and we look forward to celebrating with your entire group. Details will be shared on the Commencement Website

Additional Ticket Availability

We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate these venue capacity constraints to ensure every graduate is represented. Should any remaining tickets become available, they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the morning of Commencement, Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. 

We look forward to celebrating with you on Commencement Day!

Hello Class of 2026,

We are excited to share the ticket pick up logistics for the 2026 Commencement ceremony. Please see the details below, and keep an eye on your inbox for a ticket confirmation email with information on your personalized ticket count. 

Pickup Schedule & Locations 

Monday, May 4 – Thursday, May 21: EWMBA Program Office during normal business hours. 

Sunday, May 17: WE Lead Breakfast (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM). Note: This is the only pickup window available during WE Lead. 

Saturday, May 23: On the day of Commencement the EWMBA Program office will be open from 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM.

Requirements & Logistics 

• Identification: A valid government ID, Student ID or Driver’s License* is required for pickup.
• Proxies: If you cannot pick up, a designated person may collect your tickets using their own valid form of ID (*see above).
• Ticket Count: Distribution is based on your response to the Class of 2026 Graduation Survey and the Commencement Ticket Request Survey.
• Honors Cords: Eligible students can collect honors cords at the same times and locations listed above.

Important Notes

• No Digital Delivery: Tickets will not be mailed or emailed. If you are unable to pick up your tickets, find a designated person as soon as possible and notify our team. 

• • To request accommodations for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) for full participation in Commencement, contact Kate Tobias by May 15th.
    • At least 7-10 days notice will ensure we can process your request and accommodate your needs.

• Regalia: 

• • Online ordering is no longer available. 

Gown rentals and purchases can be made at the Cal Student Store beginning May 11 on a first come, first serve basis until inventory runs out.

Dear Class of 2026,

We’re reaching out with an important and time-sensitive update as we finalize Commencement planning. 

We know how meaningful this moment is and how important it is to have your loved ones there to celebrate with you. This year, the Greek Theatre has reduced seating capacity by 800 seats and we’ve also seen higher than anticipated ticket demand across the class. As a result, we need to be especially thoughtful and precise about how tickets are allocated. 

Right now, the most important step is making sure we have an accurate count of how many tickets will actually be used.

Action Required: Please take a few minutes to confirm or update your commencement ticket request by Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM here: [insert link to form].

All students must complete this step, even if your requested ticket count has not changed. If you requested extra tickets as a buffer or your plans have changed, we ask that you adjust your number to reflect your confirmed guest count. This will allow us to reallocate unused tickets and create more space for your classmates’ families.

We know this is a quick turnaround and we appreciate your flexibility and care for one another as a community. Your response directly impacts how many families we are able to accommodate, so it’s critical that we hear from everyone by the deadline.

Commencement Ticket Reminders:

• Graduates do not need a ticket.
• All guests, including infants and toddlers, must have a ticket.

We are actively working on next steps and will follow up with additional updates as soon as we have a clearer picture of final numbers. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request and for helping us ensure that as many classmates as possible can share this milestone with their loved ones. 

Dear Class of 2026,

We are delighted to share that it is time to secure your commencement tickets. To ensure your loved ones can join in the festivities, each graduate will receive up to 20 tickets! Upon the completion of your graduation survey, these will be made available for pickup after the first week of May.

To ensure every aspect of your commencement runs smoothly, the combined exit survey and ticket request form will ask you to review and complete the following requirements:

1. Class of 2026 Graduation Survey

The survey includes CMG BEARS questions about your experience and career progression, followed by commencement ticket requests.

• Share Your Success: Your career and salary data are vital for Haas to remain a top-ranked institution and to finally launch the long-awaited EWMBA Employment Report.
• Your Impact: By providing this information, you are directly enhancing the Haas brand for yourself and future alumni.
• Privacy: All data remains confidential and is only used in aggregate form within CMG BEARS.

2. Haas Commencement Ticket Request

We look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to the Haas Commencement Ceremony at the Greek Theater on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST.

• Ticket Details: Tickets are free of charge, and we encourage you to request one for every guest you hope will attend (Maximum of 20 tickets).
• Guest Requirements: All guests (including children and infants) require a paper ticket; however, graduates in regalia do not.
• Deadlines: Please complete the Graduation Survey and Ticket Request by Sunday, April 19, at 11:59 PM PST
  • It is essential to complete the questionnaire by this deadline, as the Program Office cannot guarantee tickets for late submissions.
  • You will not receive tickets if you have not completed the survey.

3. Haas Commencement Reception

Immediately following the ceremony, we invite you and all your guests to a reception in the Haas Courtyard from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST. Although tickets are not required for the reception, please include an estimated guest count in your survey so that we may adequately prepare for all attendees.

4. StageClip

We’re excited to announce our partnership with StageClip to provide you with a personalized video clip of your graduation moment. This special keepsake will feature your name, degree, and a highlight of you crossing the stage—perfect for sharing with your family and friends.

• Yours forever: You will automatically be included to receive a free personalized graduation video, delivered straight to your inbox. Your clip is yours to keep and celebrate however you’d like—a unique way to commemorate your achievement and share the moment with those who couldn’t attend in person.
• Opting Out: Your information will only be used to create and deliver your graduation clip unless you choose to opt out. If you prefer not to receive a video, you may select “Opt Out” in the survey.

Additional Details

• Voting: The Commencement Speaker and DLP awards will close soon on April 3rd at 11:59 PST so don’t forget to cast your vote!
• Regalia: Watch this instructional video for a clear guide on ordering regalia.
• Accommodations: If you require an accommodation (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) to fully participate in this event, contact Kate Tobias. We kindly ask for at least 7 days notice before the event to allow us to process your request. Your timely communication is appreciated to ensure we can provide the necessary accommodations.
• Diploma Verification: Ensure your legal name is correct in CalCentral to reflect accurately on your diploma.

We are so incredibly proud of everything you have achieved. We cannot wait to celebrate with you this May!

Hello,

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the EW Student Commencement Speaker and for the Defining Leadership Principal Awards. Now it’s time to vote on the winners!

Voting is now open for our four Defining Leadership Principals Awards and for the EW Commencement Student Speaker. Please complete the Commencement 2026 Voting survey by Friday, April 3rd at 11:59PM PST.

1. Rank your top 2 candidates for your Class of 2026 EW Student Commencement Speaker (click the link in the form to see list of names and to read their statements).
2. Vote for the Class of 2026 Defining Leadership Principles Awards (click the in the form link to see reasons why your peers were nominated).

Please note you may only vote once on this survey, and you may not forward this link to anyone else to take.

The class speaker will be announced at a later date and the Defining Leadership Principal Award winners will be announced at WE Lead in May.

Reminders

• The deadline to confirm your name for the Commencement Ceremony physical program is Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 PM PST.
  • Note that name confirmations will not necessarily reflect the name printed on your diploma. For policies regarding names printed on diplomas, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Hello,

There are several important updates for your upcoming MBA commencement.

Registering for MBA Commencement

You will receive a Class of 2026 Graduation Survey in early April to sign up for Commencement. In this survey, you will be asked to:

1. Answer questions designed to help the Career Management Group (CMG) and Admissions collect accurate statistics on the accomplishments of your class.
2. Write the phonetic pronunciation of your name, to make sure your name is read correctly when you walk across the stage.
3. Request the number of free guest tickets you need for the Commencement Ceremony.
   1. Graduates in regalia do not need a ticket.
   2. All guests, including infants, need a ticket.
   3. Each graduate may request up to 20 free guest tickets.
4. Indicate the number of guests you expect to have attending the Commencement Reception, which takes place at Haas after the ceremony.
   1. Commencement and the Reception are free, but accurate counts are needed.

The Graduation Survey deadline is April 19th at 11:59 PM PST.

If you require accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Kate Tobias with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7 days in advance of the event.

MBA Commencement Reminders

• Read the Commencement Website and Checklist and stay up-to-date.
• Disregard the campus email sent on Feb 19 (subject line, “Class of 2026 – Commencement is May 16th!”) with information for undergraduate students and graduate students who want to participate in the central campus ceremony.
• Commencement Regalia Ordering Clarification: Watch this instructional video for a clear guide on ordering regalia.
• The deadline to confirm your name for the Commencement Ceremony physical program is Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 PM PST.
  • Note that name confirmations will not necessarily reflect the name printed on your diploma. For policies regarding names printed on diplomas, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.
• Defining Leadership Principles Awards Nominations: Submit nominations by Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 PM PST.
• Beyond Yourself Fellows: If you are interested in being recognized as a Beyond Yourself Fellow, don’t forget to submit your volunteer hours in the Service Hours Directory by Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 PM PST. Please visit the Student Website for more information on the Beyond Yourself Fellow Award Criteria.

Haas Commencement Speaker Announcement!

Yamini Rangan, MBA 03, is the Berkeley Haas Commencement speaker for the joint Full-Time and Evening & Weekend MBA Class of 2026 ceremony at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, May 23 at 2:00pm PST.

Rangan is CEO of HubSpot, the agentic customer platform for scaling companies. Prior to becoming CEO, Rangan served as HubSpot’s first-ever chief customer officer, overseeing the marketing, sales, and service teams.

A tech industry veteran, Rangan has more than 25 years of experience in product marketing, sales, and strategy. She previously served as chief customer officer at Dropbox, where she was responsible for embedding customer focus across the organization. Before Dropbox, she was vice president of sales strategy and operations at Workday, where she helped quadruple revenue and scaled the sales organization. At SAP, Rangan held several customer-facing leadership roles in strategy, presales, and value-based selling and helped close landmark deals.

Rangan holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, a master’s degree in computer engineering, and an MBA from Haas. She was recognized among the Most Influential Women in Business by the San Francisco Business Times in 2019 and as a Best CEO for Women by Comparably in 2022. She is a Haas School Board member and a former Splunk board member.

Haas Cheit Teaching Award Nominations 

We’re seeking instructors and GSIs who embody the four Defining Leadership Principles and demonstrate outstanding teaching. Awards include: 

• Earl F. Cheit Award for Teaching Excellence

• • • Outstanding Evening Instructor (In-Person or Flex)
    • Outstanding Weekend Instructor

• Haas Outstanding GSI Award
• Award for Inclusive Teaching

Submit your nominations through our Nomination Form by March 21, 2026 11:59 PM PST. Multiple nominations are welcome – please submit a separate form for each nominee.

Thank you!

Hello Graduates,

It is time to order your regalia for Commencement. To ensure you have the recommended attire for the big day, please review the following details carefully, as the regalia style and ordering process is different than in previous years.

What You Need

There are four items recommended for Commencement: a cap, gown, MBA hood and tassel.

How to Order

We encourage students to rent their regalia. It is the most sustainable option and significantly more cost-effective than purchasing.

• Official Rental Link: 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.
• For additional information regarding regalia, visit the UC Berkeley Regalia FAQ page.

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.

Important: New Regalia Design

Please note that the official UC Berkeley regalia has been redesigned this year.

• New Design: The new gown is blue with gold braiding and the UC Berkeley seal and the hood is blue with blue and gold satin inside.
• Previous Design: In prior years, the gown and cap were solid black and the hood was black with blue and gold satin inside.

We understand that some students may have already purchased or borrowed black regalia from previous graduates. You are welcome to wear the black regalia to this year’s ceremony; however, please be aware 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 knew..

Please let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Hello,

We are a few months away from the Haas MBA Commencement! Read below for important action items.

Defining Leadership Principle Awards, and Student Speaker Nominations 

Due Sunday, Mar 15 at 11:59PM PT.

• Defining Leadership Principle Awards:
  • During the Commencement Ceremony, we will recognize exceptional students for their contributions to the program through Commencement Recognitions.
  • Nominations are now open via the Defining Leadership Principle Award Nominations Google Form.
    • Submit multiple nominations by filling out the form more than once.
• Student Commencement Speaker:
  • This is a unique opportunity to represent the Class of 2026 and address all MBA graduates and their friends and families with a 5-minute speech.
  • If you are interested in serving as a student speaker, complete the self-nomination Student Commencement Speaker Form and submit the following:
    • REQUIRED: 1 to 2 paragraphs (Max: 1300 characters) explaining why you would like to be a commencement speaker and the content of your speech.
    • OPTIONAL: A link to a video 3 minutes or under as a sample of your speaking.
• Voting will take place the week of March 16, and will close on March 29 at 11:59PM PST.

2026 Graduation Survey – Ticket Info & Name Confirmation

You will receive a Class of 2026 Graduation Survey in early April. You will be asked to:

1. Answer questions designed to help the Career Management Group (CMG) and Admissions collect accurate statistics on the accomplishments of your class.
2. To make sure your name is read correctly when you walk across the stage, the ticket request survey will also ask you to write the phonetic pronunciation of your name.
3. Request the number of free guest tickets you need for the Commencement Ceremony.
   1. Graduates in regalia do not need a ticket but all guests, including infants, will need a ticket.
   2. Students may request a maximum of 20 tickets.
4. Indicate the number of guests you expect to have attending the Commencement Reception, which takes place at Haas after the ceremony.

There is no cost for either the Commencement Ceremony or the Commencement Reception, but accurate counts are needed.

Confirm Your Name in the MBA Commencement Program 

​​The Commencement program will be distributed to attendees during the ceremony, both digitally and in a print version (while supplies last), serving as a guide for the event. It will have details about the order of events, speakers, award presentations, and will list all graduating students.

Complete this form by March 22nd at 11:59PM PST to confirm how you want your name represented in the Commencement program. This form will contain how it is currently set to be printed as well as a space to type in your full name exactly as you would like it to appear on the program.

If you do not  complete this form by the deadline, we will use the preferred first & last name that is on your student record in CalCentral.

Reminders

• Help us say your name at Commencement! We want to make sure your name is pronounced correctly as you walk across the stage. Record the pronunciation of your name in your Slack profile!  View instructions on how to record your name.
• Beyond Yourself Fellows – If you are interested in being recognized as a Beyond Yourself Fellow, don’t forget to submit your volunteer hours in the Service Hours Directory by March 29 at 11:59PM PST. Review the student website for more information.
• Cheit Teaching Awards – Your VPs of Academics will be reaching out regarding the Cheit Award nomination process for faculty. Make sure to participate to nominate your favorite professors.
• Check the Commencement website and Graduation Checklist for information about the Commencement Ceremony and stay up-to-date with any to-do items.
• If you require an accommodation (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) to fully participate in this event, contact Kate Tobias. We kindly ask for at least 7 days notice before the event to allow us to process your request. Your timely communication is appreciated to ensure we can provide the necessary accommodations.
• Pay close attention to deadlines mentioned in future Commencement emails!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

You are receiving this email because you are eligible to participate in the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony. If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please reply to this email.

Congratulations Class of 2026! You’re almost done with your MBA! Below is important information about upcoming May 2026 Commencement events.

Haas MBA Commencement Ceremony Overview

Date: Saturday May 23, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM PST – 4:00 PM PST

Location: Greek Theatre, UC Berkeley

Tickets will be required for all guests (including children and infants) attending the ceremony. The request form for the ceremony tickets* will go live early in the Spring semester.

* There is no cost to the ceremony tickets, but there will be a limit of 20 tickets per graduating student.

Click to add the MBA Commencement Ceremony to your calendar!

Haas Commencement Reception

Date: Saturday May 23, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM PST – 6:00 PM PST

Location: Haas School of Business Courtyard

The ceremony will be followed by a reception until 6pm in the Haas Courtyard where we will offer a space for you and your loved ones to gather, take memorable photos, and enjoy light snacks and drinks. More information about the reception will be available early in the Spring semester.

Click to add the Haas Commencement Reception to your calendar!

Visa Support Letters

Graduating students may request a visa support letter for anyone traveling internationally to attend graduation. If you require a letter for you or a guest, please fill out this request form.

Accessibility
If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) to fully participate in this event, please contact Kate Tobias by April 30th We kindly ask for at least 7 days notice before the event to allow 7-10 days for processing your request. Your timely communication is appreciated to ensure we can provide the necessary accommodations.

Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you and, once again, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating with you in May!