June 16, 2019 - 9:30am to 11:30am
Stanford Stadium
Gates open at 7:30 a.m. No tickets are required.
Commencement Speaker
Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple and a prominent voice on ethics in technology and business, will be the 2019 Commencement speaker at Stanford University on Sunday, June 16.
"Tim Cook has spoken forcefully of the challenges and responsibilities confronting corporations and our society today," said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne. "In tackling these, he has led with vision and values – qualities that reflect the culture of our Stanford community, and that are top-of-mind for our students and our country. Tim was a natural choice to challenge and encourage our graduates as they leave our campus and find their own paths in the world."
Live Webcast and Broadcast
The ceremony will be webcast live on this website on Sunday, June 16, 2019. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on Stanford's radio station KZSU FM 90.1 and on kzsu.stanford.edu.
Video of the main Commencement ceremony will be available on Stanford's YouTube channel following the event. Recordings of Past Ceremonies are also available.
General Ceremony and Event Information
For the comfort of families and guests: The following suggestions may make the Commencement ceremony more enjoyable.
Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable.
Hats, visors, and sun block are highly recommended.
Water will be available in the Stadium.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Stadium during Commencement.
Umbrellas will not be permitted, as they block the view of other guests.
Smoking is prohibited in the Stanford Stadium and all other indoor and outdoor spaces holding events during the weekend.
Stanford University has implemented a clear bag policy to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into Stanford Stadium for Commencement. Please review the clear bag policy and FAQs prior to attending the ceremony. A PDF overview is also available to download.
Guests with bags or items that do not satisfy the Stanford Stadium Bag Policy are welcome to bring them to the complimentary bag check station, located at Cobb Track/Angell Field. The bag check station opens two hours before the ceremony begins and closes one hour after the conclusion of the event.
Stroller Check Area
Due to safety regulations, no strollers are allowed in the seating areas of the Stadium. For your convenience, a stroller check area will be provided near Gate 3 of the Stadium.
Maples Pavilion Broadcast
For guests preferring an indoor, air-conditioned venue to view the main Commencement ceremony, a live video simulcast from the stadium will be broadcast inside Maples Pavilion. More information can be found on the Maples Pavilion Broadcast page.
Disability Parking
The Varsity Lot (Lot 1), located via Galvez Street to Nelson Road will be reserved for guests displaying any state-issued or temporary disability parking permit. Individuals with mobility limitations can be dropped off outside Gate 2 where folding chairs and a wheelchair shuttle service will be available.
All gate entrances to the Stadium are accessible. Once through the gate, continue through the tunnel (step-free path) to the concourse level and lower bowl sections. An elevator is located at Gate 4 and Gate 5 to access the upper bowl sections.
A limited number of ushers with wheelchairs will be available, beginning at 8:00 a.m., outside Gate 2 of the Stadium to assist in escorting guests with limited mobility into the Stadium. The ushers will drop the guest off near the disability seating and return at the end of the ceremony. No advanced registration is required for this service, and the wheelchair escort service will continue throughout the entire Stadium ceremony.
The majority of seating at the Stadium will be in direct sunlight. Umbrellas will not be allowed. Some seating areas on the east and southeast sides of the Stadium will be fully or partially shaded during the Ceremony. Wheelchair seating is located at the Concourse level, Row Y, (via the tunnels) and is in full shade. Additional wheelchair seating is located in the upper bowl, Row V, (via the elevator). In order to accommodate guests using wheelchairs, or those with other disability-related needs, we request only one companion per seat. A Mobility Section, located in Row W and X in the lower section, is available for individuals who can only climb limited stairs (5-7 steps with a handrail) or who cannot sit in the sun. All seating is first come, first served.