Did you graduate between July 1 and December 31, 2026?

The 2027 Spring Commencement is for you!

This year’s Spring graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2027, at 11am AZ time (11am pacific/12pm mountain/1pm central/2pm eastern). The ceremony will be broadcast on our Sonoran Desert Institute YouTube page, allowing friends and family to join the celebration from anywhere.

Others, stay tuned for future celebrations!

Submit your photo and/or testimonial
To personalize your graduation experience, you can submit a testimonial and/or a photo to be featured in the ceremony. If you do not submit an image, only your name will appear. If you submit a testimonial, it may be chosen to appear in the opening segment of the graduation ceremony.

Image guidelines
Submit a clear, head-and-shoulders photo for the graduation ceremony. Images featuring firearms, military uniforms, emblems, inappropriate content, or profanity on clothing or in the background are not permitted. The photo doesn’t have to be professionally taken, but it should be well-presented.

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Make Your Submission

Important Updates to SDI Graduation Ceremony and Registration

Graduates from July 1 and December 31, 2026 are automatically included in the ceremony. There is no need to register unless you want to submit a testimonial, photo, or update your address for the graduation gift package.

Scroll up to see the submission directions in the “Next Steps” section above.

If you do not want your name, credential(s), and recognition included in the ceremony, please complete the opt-out form by February 27, 2027, 11:59 pm AZ Time.

Photo and Testimonial: The last day to submit your photo and/or testimonial for the event is February 27, 2027, 11:59 pm AZ Time. If you do not submit a photo by the deadline, only your name and completed program name will be displayed.

Communication: Check your email inbox (and spam/junk folder) for important updates from SDI regarding the ceremony.

Support: If you have any questions, contact us at graduation@sdi.edu or registrars@sdi.edu.

Graduation Checklist

Before the Ceremony

• Submit your photo and/or testimonial (optional).
• Order SDI memorabilia (optional)
• Update your contact information

Ceremony Details

• Saturday, April 3, 2027
• Stream Here (Link coming soon)
• Downloadable Ceremony Program (Link coming soon)
• Viewing times by time zone
  • 11am Pacific and AZ
  • 12pm Mountain
  • 1pm Central
  • 2pm Eastern

FAQs

Who is eligible to register for the 2027 Spring online graduation ceremony?

A. All students who graduated between July 1 and December 31, 2026 are eligible.

How do I submit my photo and/or testimonial?

A. Submit your photo and/or testimonial through the provided registration link.

Why can’t I submit a photo featuring firearms?

A. We host our graduation ceremony via YouTube Live to maximize viewer access for your family and friends. Because this is a live stream, YouTube’s automated moderation is especially strict regarding images of firearms or regulated goods. To ensure the stream isn’t flagged or abruptly disconnected during the ceremony, we require that all submitted photos adhere to these platform-specific guidelines.

What if I have completed multiple programs?

A. Only the program(s) you completed during the designated ceremony dates will be shown.

What are the technology requirements to view the ceremony?

A. To view the ceremony, you will need the following technology requirements:

1. Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential to stream the graduation ceremony smoothly. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the event.
2. Device: You will need a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to access the ceremony. Choose the device that you are most comfortable with and make sure it is charged or connected to a power source.
3. Web Browser: Use an up-to-date web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to access the streaming platform. Ensure that your browser is updated to the latest version for the best viewing experience.

Will I be able to invite friends and family?

A. Yes, share the YouTube broadcast link with your friends and family.

Will I receive a physical diploma or certificate when I graduate?

A. Yes, you will receive a printed diploma mailed to your address on file. You should have received it by the time your ceremony takes place. If you have not, please email registrars@sdi.edu. Update your address in your student portal to ensure proper delivery.

What if I experience technical difficulties during the event?

A. You can watch the ceremony later on our YouTube channel. For immediate support, email marketing@sdi.edu.

How can I connect with fellow grads?

A. There are several ways to connect with fellow grads and celebrate together:

1. Join our Grad Facebook Page: Join our dedicated Facebook page for graduates to connect, share memories, and celebrate this milestone together. Look out for the link in your email or visit our website for more details.
2. LinkedIn: Connect with your fellow grads on LinkedIn. Expand your professional network and stay in touch with your classmates as you embark on your career journeys.
3. Career Services: Reach out to our Career Services department, where they can help facilitate connections and networking opportunities with fellow graduates who share similar career paths or interests.
4. Zoom Chat: During the online graduation ceremony, engage in the Zoom chat feature to interact with your peers, congratulate each other, and share your excitement.

Why haven’t I received an invitation?

A. If you haven’t received an invitation, please take the following steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you have met the necessary requirements for graduation and eligibility to participate in the ceremony. Refer to the graduation guidelines and ensure you have completed all the necessary steps.
2. Check Spam/Junk Folder: Sometimes, email invitations may end up in the spam or junk folder of your email inbox. Please check those folders to see if the invitation email has been redirected.
3. Email graduation@sdi.edu: If you have checked your eligibility and spam folder but still haven’t received an invitation, please reach out to graduation@sdi.edu. Kindly provide your full name, student ID, and any relevant details, and they will assist you in resolving the issue.
4. Check Student Email Address Inbox: Make sure to check the inbox of your student email address, as SDI communications are all sent to that email as your official contact method..

What if I don’t want my name included in the graduation ceremony?

A. If you’d like SDI to exclude your name, credential(s), and recognition from SDI’s graduation ceremony and digital program, you must complete a “Graduation Ceremony Non-Disclosure Request Form” indicating your choice to opt out of sharing this information by February 27, 2027. Please note that you will not receive a graduation gift package. The last day to opt-out of the event is February 27, 2027, 11:59pm Pacific/AZ time. Anyone who has not submitted their Graduation Ceremony Non-Disclosure Request Form with opt-out selections by this deadline will be included in the ceremony.