Opening Convocation Ceremony

2026 Guest Tickets (Free) - Order by September 1

Tickets are required for this event. Family members of new students are invited to attend Convocation and must order their free tickets in advance by Tuesday, September 1. 

Parents & Families: In July, ticket ordering information will be sent by email to the parent and family contacts provided by new students on their Approaching Stanford Forms. Look for the "Parent & Family Invitation to 2026 New Student Orientation" sent by Approaching Stanford.

• Tickets are free and must be ordered in advance by the posted deadline.
• Tickets are limited to 4 guests per new student.
• Children under 2 do not need tickets.
• All pre-ordered tickets will be issued digitally by email. Each guest will be sent an individual digital ticket with QR code to scan for entry to the event. Adult guests should be prepared to show a photo ID with a name that matches their ticket.
• All tickets are subject to availability.
• Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be given to other students for additional family members. 
• Tickets are for guests only. Do NOT order a ticket for your Stanford student. New students will receive their Convocation tickets with their NSO materials at move-in.

If you did not receive this invitation by email:

• First check your junk/spam email box. Some parents have found their invitation in their junk mail.
• Ask your student to confirm the email address they entered for your contact information. Invitations are sent only to the parental and family contacts provided by the students.
• Email Approaching Stanford at approaching@stanford.edu so that we can help you!

General Event Information

Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. The weather may be hot and sunny. We recommend that you dress casually and bring a hat. Please plan to arrive with ample time prior to the start of the event to allow for ticket checks, security checks, and finding a seat.

For the comfort of families and guests, the following information may make Convocation more enjoyable:

• Frost Amphitheater is located at 351 Lasuen Street, Stanford, CA 94305. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m.
• Parking: Free parking on this first day of NSO day is provided for families and guests in the Galvez Parking Lot, located near Frost Amphitheater. Please remember to lock your vehicle. 
• Guest Entrance - Galvez Gate: The general Guest Entrance is at the Galvez Gate where tickets (digital QR codes) and photo IDs will be checked. 
• Accessible Guest Entrance - Lasuen Gate: For an accessible entrance (step-free route to seating area), please use the Lasuen Gate, as the Galvez Gate is not an accessible entrace for those using wheelchairs/mobility devices and/or have limited mobility. At the Lasuen Gate, tickets (digital QR codes) and photo IDs will be checked.
• Student Entrance - Lasuen Gate: All new students should enter at the Lasuen Gate where student tickets will be checked (tickets will be provided in the NSO materials). Students should walk to the event with their residence student leaders and dormmates.
• Seating: Seating inside Frost will be separated into a Student Section in the lower bowl and a Guest Section in the upper bowl, with open seating within each section. Most students will sit with their dorms in the Student Section. If you would like to sit with your student, please enter Frost via your respective gates and once inside, have your student meet you and sit with you in the Guest Seating Section. There will be ample standing room in the back for guests that prefer to stand.
• Livestream: Convocation will be livestreamed, filmed, photographed and recorded. By entering the venue, you consent to Stanford University using your image and likeness.
• The Convocation Ceremony has a Clear Bag Policy. All items and bags must meet Clear Bag Policy Conditions. Bags will be limited to clear bags no larger than 12”x12”x6”, gallon sized ziploc bags, or small clutches (4.5”x6.5”). Do not bring backpacks, large bags/purses, or suitcases, as they will not be permitted. There will not be a bag check/storage on site. Please plan accordingly. Consider storing these items in your car (out of site) or dropping them off at your hotel before the event.
• The weather may be hot and sunny. Dress for the heat; light, casual clothing is advisable. Hats, visors, and sun block are highly recommended. 
• Water filling stations will be available. Guests may bring their own reusable small plastic water bottle, if desired. No metal water bottles.
• No umbrellas, as they block the view of other guests.
• No flags allowed other than pre-approved dorm flags.
• No banners, posters, or other signage.
• No smoking of any kind in the venue.
• Anyone causing disruptions or found with items that are prohibited or otherwise restricted may be subject to removal from the venue.