Are you graduating from Rio Salado College? You’re probably feeling some strong emotions about graduating: deserved pride in your accomplishments; excitement to move on to your next adventure (be it transferring your Rio credits to a four-year university or taking your career to a higher level). It’s good to look to the future but before you get too ahead of yourself don’t forget to dot the last few i’s and cross those t’s as a Rio student: you still need to register for commencement.
Rio Salado College’s 2026 Commencement is happening on Thursday, May 14, at Arizona Financial Theatre (400 W. Washington St.) in downtown Phoenix. Any student who has completed a degree or certificate program since May 1, 2025, or is on-track to complete a program by August 31, 2026, is eligible to participate in this year’s commencement.
It’s free to register for commencement and it’s best to do it sooner rather than later, because the deadline for getting your name printed in the program is April 4. You can fill out the application for attending commencement by clicking the link below.
What to Know About Commencement
The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 14. Check-in for students begins at 5:45 p.m. (5 p.m. check-in for specialty group photos). The lobby at Arizona Financial Theatre opens at 5 p.m, with the auditorium opening for guests at 6 p.m. It is expected that graduates and families will remain in their seats and stay until the completion of the ceremony as a show of respect for their fellow graduates. Please don’t leave right after doing your walk the stage.
While there is no fee for attending Commencement (this includes guests!) students must order their cap and gown regalia from Jostens, our approved vendor. The deadline for ordering delivery of caps and gowns is April 14. If you miss the delivery deadline, you'll have a chance to buy them in-person during a one-day event at the Rio Salado Conference Center on May 1. Come to the center from noon to 4 p.m. and pick up your regalia. Please note that this is the last chance to get regalia before commencement and you must be in regalia in order to participate as a graduate at commencement.
Follow These Steps
Need help navigating the application process for commencement? This quick video will take you step by step through the process.
Ready to Take the Stage? Here's How to Apply to Participate in Commencement
Article by Austin Brietta