Stay up to date with all the pertinent email communications as we gear up for Commencement!
This is a living page and will continually be edited.
Bear Necessities
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.
Program Office Emails
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:
- Answer questions designed to help the Career Management Group (CMG) and Admissions collect accurate statistics on the accomplishments of your class.
- 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.
- Request the number of free guest tickets you need for the Commencement Ceremony.
- Graduates in regalia do not need a ticket but all guests, including infants, will need a ticket.
- Students may request a maximum of 20 tickets.
- 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!