Delta College has increased the number of commencement tickets per graduate from three to four, reversing part of an earlier decision that drew widespread frustration from students.
In an email sent Thursday evening, college officials said the change came after a site walk-through at Adventist Health Arena and additional coordination with the venue allowed for more seating.
“Each participating graduate will now be eligible for four (4) guest tickets,” the college said.
The update comes two days after the college reduced ticket allotments from five to three per graduate, citing a 144 percent increase in the number of students planning to participate in the May 14 ceremony and limited seating at the arena.
College officials said the adjustment aims to allow as many graduates as possible to attend while expanding access for their guests, though they acknowledged that demand still exceeds available space.
“After this year’s ceremony, we will evaluate what we might be able to do differently in 2027,” said Alex Breitler, Delta College’s director of Marketing and Communications.
Students who already picked up three tickets will be able to return to the bookstore beginning April 27 to claim an additional ticket.
Despite the increase, some students say the change continues to affect their plans.
“Delta should have a better understanding of how many potential students they have graduating and better accommodate them and their families,” said Eileen Aschwanden, an arts, humanities and social sciences major who decided not to participate in the ceremony.
Online, students continued to seek additional tickets, with posts requesting donations or exchanges as demand outpaced supply.
