Commencement 2026: "Where Creativity Meets Purpose – Sofia's Global Journey"
We are excited to welcome our graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends as we gather to celebrate Sofia University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
This year’s theme, “Where Creativity Meets Purpose – Sofia’s Global Journey,” reflects the heart of the Sofia experience—where personal reflection, creativity, and academic excellence come together in service of a deeper sense of purpose. It celebrates the transformative journey our graduates have undertaken and the meaningful contributions they are prepared to make in an ever-changing world.
At Sofia University, education extends beyond the classroom. Rooted in our transpersonal tradition, our graduates leave with not only the knowledge and skills to succeed professionally, but also an expanded awareness that empowers them to lead with compassion, creativity, and integrity. They are prepared to shape a more conscious, innovative future for themselves, their families, and the local and global communities they serve.
We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone together and honoring the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026 as they begin the next chapter of their Sofia journey.
Your Commencement Celebration Start Here
Celebrate this important milestone with your classmates at Sofia University’s in-person Commencement Ceremony at our campus in Costa Mesa, California.
If you plan to participate, please take the following steps to prepare:
- Please fill out the 2026 Commencement Application.
- Order your cap & gown regalia ASAP to avoid delays.
PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE WITH JOSTENS!.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 26, 2026
4:00 PM PDT
We look forward to celebrating your achievements and this special moment together!
Enjoy the Live Stream below: Domestic Viewing
Live Stream for viewers in China
Commencement Photo Shoot Schedule by Degree Program (Students, Faculty, & Staff)
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
Time Slot | Group |
|---|---|
1:00 – 1:15 PM | BA in Psychology |
1:15 – 1:30 PM | BS in Business Administration |
1:30 – 1:45 PM | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1:45 – 2:00 PM | MS in Computer Science (MSCS) |
2:00 – 2:15 PM | MA in Transpersonal Psychology (MATP) |
2:15 – 2:30 PM | MATPO |
2:30 – 2:45 PM | MA in Counseling Psychology (MACP) |
2:45 – 3:00 PM | PHD in Transpersonal Psychology |
3:00 – 3:15 PM | PHDC |
Thank you for your cooperation, and congratulations to all graduates!
FAQs
Have a question? Consult our FAQ section, below…
You may contact the office of the Registrar to start the application process. You will be required to fill out the Commencement Application. The deadline is August 1, 2026.
The Commencement ceremony will be held at our Costa Mesa campus at located in southern California at 3333 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 4:00pm PDT at our Costa Mesa campus.
No there is no rehearsal this year. However, you need to be lined up and ready by 3:00PM for the ceremony.
You should arrive by no later than 1:30 PM. For BS & BS Graduates, please refer to the Commencement Photo Shoot Schedule and arrive 10 minutes prior to the listed time.
*Note: If you have not arrived and registered by 3:00pm, you may not be able to walk and participate in the Commencement.
You will need your purchased Cap and Gown. We will NOT have any available for purchase onsite.
Yes, you will need your Cap and Gown in order to walk across the stage.
You may order your cap & gown directly through Jostens. click here.
Note: Order your cap & gown prior to the deadline that will be listed on the website.
(Master/Doctor) cap/gown/tassel/hood
(Bachelor) standard cap/gown/tassel
**orders placed after online deadline are not guaranteed to arrive before graduation**
No. Jostens cannot ship internationally. You may contact elizabeth.steele@sofia.edu for options.
It may get warm during the ceremony so wearing something cool under your cap and gown is suggested.
Yes you may wear flowers with your cap and gown.
If you purchased (not rented) your cap you may decorate it.
If you purchased (not rented) your cap and gown it is yours to keep.
We will line up for the Procession at 3:00pm. Those who have not arrived by 3:00pm, are not guaranteed to participate. You will line up by degree level, then program. Staff will be there to assist. For example: Bachelors, then Master’s (Global, Residential, Counseling, Computer Science, MBA).
You will be given a card to write down your name with phonetic pronunciation.
While we are celebrating our achievements during this event, we should always remain professional during the Commencement and while at the venue. See code of conduct policy
You are asked to participate in the entire Commencement ceremony. We request that you return to your seat after you cross the stage. The conferral of the degrees will be done after all have walked across the stage.
On Commencement Day you will receive a diploma cover with a place holder.
You should receive your diploma 4-6 weeks after your last day of class. It will be mailed to the address provided on your Graduation application form. Please note that your Graduation application will not be processed until your student account balance is paid in full. Further questions should be directed to registrar@www.sofia.edu
Yes there will be photos taken before, during, and after the Commencement ceremony by a professional photographer. Afterwards the photographer will send a link out for purchasing the photos. See photo schedule above.
You will not be limited to the number of guests you invite. Attendees will not need tickets.However, you should confirm how many guests will attend on your Commencement Application beforehand.
Yes, the Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. We plan on the livestream being accessible from the Commencement Page on the Sofia website. Additionally, it will be uploaded to our YouTube channel within a few days.
The Commencement will be held outside at our Costa Mesa campus. Please check the weather and dress accordingly. If the weather becomes extreme, we will have a viewing room that will be live streaming in room 12.
A small reception will be held immediately after the ceremony.
Yes, we provide accommodations for guests with special needs, however student.services@Sofia.edu needs to be contacted in advance.
There is plenty of free parking on our Costa Mesa campus. Upon arrival, you may park in the designated parking lot area on the left side of the building. Signs will be posted. For directions, click here. Make sure you turn into Law Court, see photo here. Do Not Park in the roundabout in the front of the main building.
The closest airport to the Sofia University Costa Mesa campus is 11 miles away: John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) https://www.ocair.com/.
Other options include Long Beach Airport (LGB) https://www.longbeach.gov/lgb/ and Los Angeles Airport (LAX) https://www.flylax.com/
Online sites for motel/hotel reservations generally have the best deals. There are many hotels & some Airbnb options in the Costa Mesa campus area. You will need to make your own room reservations. Suggested hotel: Crowne Plaza.
Note: The University has made arrangements for a block of discounted rooms ($164) at a nearby hotel, the Crowne Plaza (10 minutes from Campus). Limited number of discounted rooms are available through Friday, September 4th on a first come first served basis. For the discounted rate, make sure to clink on the link: Sofia University
You may need to check and adjust the dates for your stay. Breakfast (2 breakfasts included with a 2 Queen bedroom), daily parking for each car and 20% discount at the hotel restaurant is included.
You will be responsible for all room charges. A method of payment is required upon booking to secure the room. At check in, the final method of payment will be collected to cover the room, tax and a Security Deposit of $100 on a credit card.
Hotel to Campus: 3.1 miles (7-8 minutes).
Airport to Hotel: 3 miles (5-10 minutes, without traffic)
Guests may arrive starting at 3:00pm
