UC Davis

We encourage you to check this FAQ frequently, as it will be updated often.

For more information about applying to graduate or diplomas, be sure to visit the Office of the University Registrar.

Graduate and Professional Student Spring 2024 Commencement Information

FAQs for Spring 2024 Undergraduate Commencement

• When are commencement ceremonies held?
• UC Davis Undergraduate Commencements are held every June (the weekend after the Spring Quarter finals end) and every December (the weekend after the Fall Quarter finals end). There are no commencements at the end of Winter and Summer quarters. Spring 2024 Commencements for undergraduates will be held Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16.
• Who is eligible to participate in the Undergraduate 2024 Spring Commencements?
• Undergraduate students who have completed 140 units of degree-applicable credit at the time of commencement registration and who have not already participated in an undergraduate commencement ceremony are eligible to participate.
• Do you have to file to graduate in order to register for commencement?
• Participating in a commencement ceremony doesn’t mean you have completed your degree. To officially graduate and receive your diploma, you must have filed a graduation application online between January 16, 2024 and March 8, 2024 through the Office of the Registrar .
• I tried to register for the commencement ceremony, but I got an error message saying I don’t have enough units to continue. What do I do?
• Students who don't yet meet the minimum threshold of 140 units can come back after Winter Quarter grades are posted to register to participate in Spring commencement.
• What if I am graduating in more than one major?
• Graduates need to only choose one ceremony at registration. There will not be seating assignments based on college/major, nor will majors be announced/displayed as graduates cross the stage.
• Is there a cost to participate in the commencement?
• There is no charge to participate in the commencement ceremonies. However, regalia, or academic dress, is required and there is an associated cost for the rental. Please visit the UC Davis Stores rental webpage for more details and to access the online ordering system.
• How do I choose my commencement ceremony date?
• You must register to participate in one of the commencement ceremonies. When registering, you will be asked to choose a ceremony date from the five options below. Ceremony dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so register as soon as possible. Be sure to check the dates and times of any cultural or heritage ceremonies you would like to attend before confirming your commencement ceremony date. Please note that May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT is the last day to register for commencement or to request any changes to the ceremony date.
• What do I do if I didn’t get the ceremony date I wanted or I need to change my date?
• If you didn’t get your first ceremony date of choice or you have an emergency need to change the date, please contact us . We will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that no ceremony change requests will be accepted after May 31.
• Do I need a cap and gown? Are cap and gowns required?
• Yes! A cap and gown, also referred to as regalia or “academic dress”, from the UC Davis Bookstore is mandatory for graduates and the university reserves the right to refuse admission to students who do not comply with this requirement. Note that caps and gown rentals are custom to UC Davis, so one from a past event or purchased through a different retailer won’t meet the requirement. Please visit the UC Davis Stores rental webpage for more details and to access the online ordering system. Book your regalia rental between March 1 - April 23. A price increase of $15 will start April 24 and the last day to order online is May 23 at 9 p.m.
• I need financial help covering the cost of my regalia rental.
• You can apply for an award from the Student Foundation (Aggies Helping Aggies) that assists graduating seniors who can’t afford to rent a graduation cap and gown from the bookstore. For more information on how to apply, please contact scholarships@ucdavis.edu .
• I am graduating with honors. How can I get an honors cord?
• Cords may be purchased at UC Davis Stores .
  • Honors = Cum Laude = Blue/Gold
  • High Honors = Magna Cum Laude = Silver/Silver
  • Highest Honors = Summa Cum Laude = Gold/Gold

  Ticketing FAQs

  • How many guest tickets can graduates request?
  • During the commencement registration process, graduates can request up to six guest tickets. Graduates must register for graduation by May 31, 2024.
  • Do Graduates need tickets?
  • Registered graduates participating in the ceremony will only need their printed Grad Card, which will serve as their ticket. Graduating students will enter and check in at a separate area from guests.
  • What is a Grad Card and why do I need to print one?
  • All graduates are required to have a printed physical Grad Card, which will be used to announce your name as you cross the stage. An email will be sent a few days prior to the ceremony with instructions on how to print your grad card.

  Day-of-Event FAQs

  • What time should I arrive?
  • Graduate check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. for 9 a.m. ceremonies and at 12:30 p.m. for 2 p.m. ceremonies. Doors open to guests at the same time.
  • How and where do I park?
  • Reserve parking in advance at the Golden 1 Center directly through SacPark where you will select a parking lot and get a parking pass. Passes must be printed out or loaded on your phone before you arrive to park. For more parking info, including directions and a map, visit the Golden 1 Center’s parking web page . Please note that Sal Park will not list the ceremonies as events until May.
  • Are there rideshare drop-offs?
  • The Golden 1 Center has designated rideshare drop-off points. Visit the Golden 1 Center’s website for more information.
  • Are there drop-off zones for anyone that has an accessibility need?
  • Yes! ADA accessible drop-off and pick-up is located at 4th Street & J Street (see the below map). Parking for the duration of an event is not permitted. More information about ADA and accessibility information are available on the Golden 1 Center’s website https://www.golden1center.com/visit/ada-accessibility-info .

  

  Photos taken by family or friends will be permitted from their seats or from the designated photo areas available during the ceremony. Tripods will NOT be allowed into any of our commencement venues.

  Contact Us

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