Urban Studies co-director Michael Kahan with the graduating class

Co-Director Michael Kahan (far left) with Urban Studies graduates. Photo by Mariel Camargo, Urban Studies '25

Commencement

Faculty Director Forrest Stuart with graduating student

Faculty Director Forrest Stuart with student Maya Green '24. Photo by Mariel Camargo.

Diploma Ceremony

With the Department of Sociology

  • Date: Sunday, June 14
  • Reception: 11:30 am, serving a buffet-style light lunch
  • Ceremony: 12:30 pm - @ 2:30 pm
  • Location: East Oval Grove, the grassy area between the bus stop at The Oval and the Lathrop Building.
  • Tickets: Not required for the department ceremony

Apply to graduate 

  • To begin the graduation process, students must complete the online Application to Graduate.  
  • The application for Spring Quarter degree conferral opened March 5, 2026 and will close April 10, 2026 (5 pm).
  • Late applications for Spring Quarter conferral will be accepted until May 29, 2026 (5 p.m.) and require a $50 fee.

Check degree requirements

  • Before the Final Study List deadline (April 17, 2026 Spring Quarter), meet with Student Services Officer Patricia Jacobus and your undergraduate advisor to confirm that your degree requirements are on track for completion.
  • The Registrar's Office uses each student's My Academic Path (MAP) to verify degree requirements. If you notice something missing or incorrect in MAP for the Urban Studies major, please contact Patricia Jacobus.
    • For questions about other programs - such as a minor or a coterm - contact the student services office of those departments. Your undergraduate advisor can also help with questions about general education requirements

Regalia

  • Commencement regalia: The Stanford Bookstore offers rental gowns and hoods for commencement. Caps are purchased by graduates.
  • Grad Fair: Students may pick up regalia at the Grad Fair at the Stanford Bookstore April 14 - 16, 2026.
  • Graduation hood for the Coterminal Masters degree:  Students completing a coterminal master's degree may wear their hood at the Urban Studies diploma ceremony.
    • A hood is a specialized piece of academic regalia worn around the neck and over the shoulders to signify completion of a graduate degree. The colored lining represents field of study.

Can I walk? 

  • University Commencement ceremony: Check whether you are eligible to participate in the University Commencement ceremony.
  • Department Diploma Ceremony: Students who wish to participate in the department diploma ceremony, but will not have their degrees conferred in Spring Quarter must submit a completed walkthrough petition (download the fillable form) to pjacobus [at] stanford.edu (Patricia Jacobus) by May 1, 2026.  

Participation survey

  • Let us know if you will participate in the Urban Studies diploma ceremony. Complete this form by May 1, 2026.

Participation in other diploma ceremonies

  • Urban Studies undergraduates will be called first during the Urban Studies–Sociology diploma ceremony.
  • Students who are completing multiple majors or a coterminal master’s degree may also participate in other program ceremonies. However, students must remain for the entire Urban Studies diploma presentation, and their departure—along with that of their guests—must not be disruptive to the ceremony.