College of the Desert 2024 CommencementCollege of the Desert 2024 Commencement. Congratulations Graduates!

2024 Commencement

Welcome to the official website for College of the Desert’s 60th Commencement.

Congratulations to all our graduating students! Reaching this milestone is truly an accomplishment.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey!

This page is meant to be a resource for our graduates and their families and friends. Here, you will find all things graduation.

Please check back periodically, as we will be updating event details as we confirm them.

We look forward to honoring the Class of 2024!

Important Dates and Deadlines


School Ceremonies

Physical Therapy Ceremony

Monday, May 20 at 1 p.m.

Pollock Theatre

Transfer Recognition Ceremony

Wednesday, May 15 at Noon

McCallum Theatre

Basic Peace Officer Training and
Basic Fire Fighter Academy

Thursday, May 23 at 6p.m.

McCallum Theatre

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Friday, May 24 at 2 p.m.

McCallum Theatre


College of the Desert Commencement Ceremony

Tuesday, May 21 at 4 p.m.

Acrisure Arena


Frequently Asked Questions

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The all-school graduation will be taking place on May 21, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Graduation check-in will begin at 2 p.m.

Please arrive between 2-3 p.m. to ensure the ceremony begins on time. 

Guest doors at the North Main Entrance open at 2:30 p.m. 

Information regarding each school’s ceremony will be published as it is confirmed.

Acrisure Arena is located north of I-10 at 75702 Varner, Palm Desert, CA 92211.

Students will receive eight graduation tickets directly to their MyCod email.

Tickets are only required for guests.

After receiving their tickets, students can then transfer their tickets to their guests via Ticketmaster.

Students can request additional tickets by reaching out to commencementcod@collegeofthedesert.edu.

After May 16, additional tickets will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. 

Instructions to create an account to manage tickets:

  1. Create an account via this link: https://am.ticketmaster.com/firebirds/
    1. Select the ‘Sign Up’ button at the top of the page and an overlay sign-in page will appear.
    2. Click on “Sign Up” to create a Ticketmaster account and fill out the information. Make sure you’re using your @mycod.us email address, your tickets are tied to that email.
    3. Once you fill out your information, press “Next” on the bottom right.
    4. Add your phone number for an extra layer of verification.
    5. The system will text you a one-time code.
    6. Input the 6-digit code and click “Confirm.”
    7. Once logged in, a “Terms of Use” overlay will populate on the current tab. Scroll to the bottom, then click the “Test” tab at the top, click the “Agree” button.
  2. Logged in
    1. Click on the menu button in the top left corner, and select “My Events” and you’ll see the “College of the Desert – Commencement 2024 event.”
    2. Click “View Event Details” on the bottom.
    3. If you want to transfer tickets, click “Transfer” at the top right.
    4. Select “College of the Desert – 2024 Commencement” and press “Next” on the bottom of the screen.
    5. Select the seats you want to transfer and click “Next” at the bottom.
    6. Fill out the “Add a New Recipient” screen, confirm the information is correct, then press “Transfer” at the bottom of the screen.
    7. The guest you sent them to will receive an email to accept the tickets.
    8. Press “Done” at the bottom right of the screen.

Viewing ticket barcodes for scanning on event day:

  1. Log into the account that you created in the above steps via this link on your Smartphone mobile browser (Safari not recommended): https://am.ticketmaster.com/firebirds/
  2. Download the CV Firebirds mobile app and log into the account that you created in the above steps.
    1. Follow this link for details on how to download the CV Firebirds app: https://cvfirebirds.com/fan-zone/firebirds-app/

Guest seating is general admission in the arena, and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking is complimentary to graduates and their guests. Graduates will park in the Main Lot and enter through the South Main Entrance.

Acrisure Arena has the following rules:

  • Every person 2 years and older who enters Acrisure Arena must have a ticket. 
  • No strollers are allowed inside the arena.
  • No wrapped gifts or gift bags.
  • No balloons, confetti, vases, or noisemakers. 
  • Signs must be no larger than 11-by-17-inches. 
  • No outside food or beverages permitted; no smoking; no pets (except service animals or service animals in training).
  • Clear Bag Policy: For a smooth entry into Acrisure Arena, attendees are asked to review the following guidelines to ensure their bags will be permitted into the Arena:
    • Each attendee may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or EVA no larger than 12-by-6-by-12-inches or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
    • In addition to one clear bag, guests may bring in a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 4.5-by-6.5-inches, with or without a handle or strap.

Other accommodations for this event are available for people with disabilities. Please contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services Office at 760.773.2534 or dspsinfo@collegeofthedesert.edu.

We would not be able to pull off this special day without the hardworking faculty and staff who are involved! If you have any questions regarding graduation, please consult your department dean or director. Information regarding day-of instructions for faculty will be emailed 15 days before the event.