The ceremony will begin with a processional of graduates, faculty, and University officials. The Dean of your College will welcome the audience, give instructions, and recognize outstanding graduates.
You will cross the stage as your name is read from a card that will be provided to you on the day of your ceremony. Professional photographs will be taken. Photo proofs will be emailed to you.
The ceremony will last two hours with an optional hour-long reception immediately following. Refreshments and live music will be provided for you and your guests at the reception.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate?
You must file a Request to Graduate form with the Office of Enrollment Services. If you have filed to graduate for December 2012, January 2013, May 2013, or August 2013, (before the published deadlines), you will be invited to the May 2013 ceremonies and your name will be listed in the program.
Do I need to sign up ahead of time to attend the ceremony?
- YES! The registration form will be available on this website from February 1, 2013 until May 17, 2013.
How do I check if I've registered correctly?
If you try to submit the form again on the same computer, it will alert you that you have done so already. Please DO NOT call the University asking that your name be checked on the registration list. The data will not be available until the day of your ceremony.
What ceremony do I go to if I’m graduating in December?
- If you are a December 2012 candidate, you are part of the 2012-2013 academic class and you will be invited to the 2013 ceremony and your name will be listed in the 2013 program.
- If you are a December 2013 candidate, you are part of the 2013-2014 academic class and you will be invited to the 2014 ceremony and your name will be listed in the 2014 program. You may attend the 2013 ceremony, but your name will not be listed in the program.
How do I get my name in the program?
- If you have filed a Request to Graduate form with the Office of Enrollment Services for the terms of December 2012, January 2013, May 2013, or August 2013 before the published deadlines, your name will be listed in the program.
Will my name be announced during the ceremony?
- Yes, every graduate will have their name read as they cross the stage, regardless of whether it is listed in the program.
How many tickets do I get?
- No tickets are required. First-come, first-served seating is available for your guests in folding chairs and grandstands.
How do I get my cap and gown?
- Cap and gown rental is handled by the University Bookstore.
How do I know if I am graduating with honors?
- GPA honors are not recognized at the ceremony. (GPAs are not calculated until your degree has been granted, several weeks after the end of the semester.)
- To inquire about honors in the major, go to the major department office.
Where are the ceremonies held?
- On upper campus in the Central Quad. Folding chairs and grandstand seating will be available for the graduates and guests.
What time should I get there and where do I go?
- Graduates should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. The sign-in and line-up area is at the south end of the Quad near the Macintosh Building.
- At least one hour prior to the ceremony is recommended for guests as well. Guests attending the prior ceremony will be exiting campus as others are arriving. Large crowds are expected, please allow at least one hour to park and walk to the ceremony site.
- Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Approx. 12,000 guests will be in attendance for the large Colleges. All ceremonies are held outdoors. Folding chairs on grass and grandstand seating will be available; shade is limited.
Where do I park?
- All parking structures and student parking lots on lower campus, off of Atherton, will be open to the public for free parking during the ceremony. The lots on upper campus designated for faculty and staff will remain gated.
Parking information: 562 985-4146
Do I need to sign in when I get there?
- Yes, you should arrive on campus at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. The sign-in and line-up area is at the south end of the Quad, near the Macintosh Building.
Are there special arrangements for the disabled?
- Please contact the Office of Parking and Transportation for assistance and directions: 562 985-4146.
- Shuttles from the outlying lots to the ceremony site will be available.
- The university does not provide wheelchairs.
- Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area.
- For elderty guests and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live indoors, adjacent to the ceremony site.
What kind of seating is available?
- Folding chairs on grass, surrounded by grandstands. No tickets are required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Shade is limited. Most guests will be sitting in the sun.
- For elderty guests and others who are unable to sit outside, the ceremonies will be broadcast live indoors, adjacent to the ceremony site.
- Staff will be available to assist guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate seating area.
- How do I get pictures?
- Professional photographers will be stationed on and around the stage. Proofs of the photos will be emailed to you within three days.
- Guests will not be allowed to stand in the aisles or to approach the stage to take pictures. Tripods and large video equipment are not allowed.
What will the weather be like?
- Typically, it is damp and foggy in the mornings, warm or hot in the afternoons, and breezy and cool in the evenings after 5:00. Rain is uncommon. Light layers are recommended. Most guests will be sitting in the sun.
- Sun shades and umbrellas will not be allowed to block the view of others.
How long is the ceremony?
What happens after the ceremony?
- Graduates and their guests are invited to attend an hour-long reception nearby immediately following the ceremony. Refreshments and live music will be provided.
Where do I return my cap and gown?
- Return gown to the bookstore.
How do I get my diploma?
- Degree clearing takes place in the Office of Enrollment Services during a four to eight week period following the end of your last semester. You will be notified by email when your degree has been granted, and you’ll be given diploma information at that time. Enrollment Services: 562 985-5471.
Who can I call for more information?
Please see the list of personnel at the bottom of this page.
Diplomas are not distributed at Commencement. The diplomas themselves are issued by the University after verification has been made that all degree requirements have been completed and after the diploma document is specially inscribed for the graduate.
Diploma frames are available through the Bookstore: (562) 985-5093.
Each college is responsible for the logistical coordination of its own ceremony. For information regarding your college's ceremony, please contact the appropriate individual listed below:
Your diploma will not automatically be mailed to you. The Office of Enrollment Services (562/985-5471) will send an e-mail when your diploma is available (approximately 4-8 weeks after your degree has been granted).
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