We are excited to celebrate members of our Class of 2023 this spring — and also know that many graduating students and their families have questions about our in-person ceremonies. More information will be shared in the weeks ahead and updates will be made to the below FAQs as planning for the events is finalized.
- UCLA 2023 Commencement Overview
- Is there a main UCLA Commencement for all graduates?
UCLA does not have one all-university "main" commencement. The UCLA College Commencement (which is split into three identical sessions in Pauley Pavilion to accommodate capacity) takes place on Friday, June 16, and is the largest single degree conferring commencement. The College ceremonies are often what people think of as UCLA's "main commencement" becuase most of UCLA's students graduate with majors through College departments. UCLA's professional schools (for example the Samueli School of Engineering, the Anderson School of Management, the Law School, or the David Geffen School of Medicine) are separate from the College and have their own degree conferring cermeonies. Please note that due to the size of the College ceremony, individual graduate name reading does not take place at that event; however, name reading does take place at all other ceremonies, including the school ceremonies and the College's departmental ceremonies.
Where will the commencement ceremonies take place?
Commencement ceremonies will happen all across the UCLA campus at indoor and outdoor venues of varying sizes. Check the UCLA Commencement schedule for a listing of all the different ceremonies and their campus locations.
Will the ceremonies be held rain or shine?
Yes. The university would make efforts to mitigate impacts of extreme weather for guests and graduates wherever possible (e.g. extra tenting in some cases), but due to the amount of ceremonies, there are not enough indoor locations to shift to in case of non-optimal weather conditions. - UCLA 2023 Graduation Eligibility, Registration & Ticketing Information
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Who is eligible to participate in the 2023 commencements?
When is the registration deadline for participating in UCLA Commencements and how can graduates register?
Information on eligibility to participate in the College commencement ceremony can be found on their website. Information on eligibility for professional school, College department, or student organization ceremonies are typically found on those organization's commencement websites. Check the UCLA Commencement schedule listings for links to each individual ceremony's website with information.
Information on registration for the College commencement ceremony can be found on their website. Information on eligibility for professional school, College department, or student organization ceremonies are typically found on those organizations' commencement websites. Check the UCLA Commencement schedule listings for links to each individual ceremony's website with information.
How do I get tickets to a commencement ceremony?
The ticketing process, or the need for tickets, varies depending on what ceremony the graduate and guests plan to attend. In almost all cases, tickets are only available through the graduating students ordering tickets for themselves and their guests. Guests cannot independently reserve or purchase tickets. Information on registration for the College commencement ceremony can be found on their website. Information on ticketing for professional school, College department, or student organization ceremonies are typically found on those organization's commencement websites which are linked on the Commencement schedule listing.
Do children count as guests needing a ticket at a ceremony?
In all ticketed commencement venues, including Pauley Pavilion, any child the age of 2 or under does not require a ticket if that child can sit on a grown-up's lap for the entire duration of the ceremony. Anyone 3+ or any child under the age of 2 that requires their own individual seat must be counted separately as a guest and will need a ticket. - UCLA 2023 Commencement Guest Information
- How may guests can a graduate bring to their commencement ceremony?
The number of guests a graduate can include in the in-person ceremony varies depending on the venue capacity. Students should refer to the information sent to them directly by the College, professional school, College department, or student organization, or refer to the website for the ceremony that the guests will be attending. Check the UCLA Commencement schedule for links to information for these individual ceremonies.
Do children count as guests needing a ticket at a ceremony?
In all ticketed commencement venues, including Pauley Pavilion, any child the age of 2 or under does not require a ticket if that child can sit on a grown-up's lap for the entire duration of the ceremony. Anyone 3+ or any child under the age of 2 that requires their own individual seat must be counted separately as a guest and will need a ticket.
Will there be accessibility accommodations?
All venues are accessible to individuals with mobility assistance devices and have designated accessible seating areas. For accessibility accommodations for guests needing ASL or audio interpretation accommodations, please contact the College, school, College department, or student organization organizing the ceremony. The university is not able to provide transport or mobility assistance devices to guests to facilitate moving through the campus.
Are balloons, noise makers, and other celebratory items allowed into the commencement venues?
UCLA encourages guests and graduates to consider sustainable alternatives to traditional and environmentally impactful items such as balloons. The rules for what you can bring into each venue varies depending on that venue's rules. Please note, Pauley Pavilion does NOT permit any balloons inside the venue. Outdoor venues only permit balloons that do not block the views of other guests.
Are bags allowed in venues?
Small handbags, purses, and diaper bags are allowed, but in some venues, such as Royce Hall and Pauley Pavilion, bags will be searched by security staff at the door to ensure no outside food, alcohol, or weapons are present. In order to reduce the time to get into the venue, we strongly recommend leaving all bags in cars. Backpacks and duffle bags are not permitted in any venue.
Is alcohol or champagne allowed on campus?
Open containers of alcohol are not permitted on campus grounds with the exception of pre-designated reception events serviced by professional caterers. Sparkling water is recommended as an alternative to champagne on campus.
Will water be available on campus?
Water will be available for purchase at multiple booth locations around campus, and water bottle filling stations are available at Ackerman Student Union and inside other campus buildings. - Accessibility and Assistance
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Are all venues accessible?
All venues are accessible to individuals with mobility assistance devices and have designated accessible seating areas.
I am a graduate needing special accommodations. Whom should I contact?
UCLA graduates needing accessibility accommodations should contact the Center for Accessible Education.
I am a guest needing accessibility accommodations. Whom should I contact?
For guests needing ASL or audio interpretation accommodations, the graduate should contact the College, school, College department, or student organization organizing the ceremony on behalf of their guest to initiate the request.
Can the university provide a wheelchair or other from of transport to guests who have trouble walking?
While all venues are accessible, the university is not able to provide transport or mobility assistance devices to guests to facilitate moving through the campus or getting to a venue. There are two locations on campus (Gateway Plaza and the Dickson Plaza Flagpole) where guests can be dropped off curbside which might lessen traveling time. Due to space limitations, these guest drop-off areas should only be used when a guest has limited mobility. - COVID-19 Health and Safety Information
- What are the current COVID health protocols for UCLA Commencement?
There is currently no plan to check for vaccination status or negative COVID test results at commencement events. Facial coverings are encouraged but not required. For more information on UCLA's current COVID protocols please visit the UCLA COVID-19 website. - Availability of Other Campus Facilities and Restaurants
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Will campus restaurants or the UCLA Store be open during Commencement weekend?
Yes. Please visit the ASUCLA website to find information on UCLA restaurants and stores.
Will flowers be available for sale on campus during Commencement weekend?
Yes. There will be outdoor flower and graduation merchandise booth sales near most of the graduation venues. - Commencement Livestreaming
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Will commencement ceremonies be livestreamed?
UCLA Commencement this year is made up of approximately 70 individual ceremonies. Some ceremonies, such as the three UCLA College ceremonies in Pauley Pavilion, will be livestreamed while others will not. Please refer to the website of the College, professional school, College department, or student organization that is hosting the ceremony you are interested in viewing to see if the ceremony will be available to be viewed live online. - Directions/Parking
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Where do I park?
Commencement parking will be in Parking Structures 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, & 9. Parking Structure SV will be available on Saturday and Sunday only. Your permit will be valid in any of the areas noted above, should you need to drive to another location on campus. Please visit the UCLA Transportation website for more information about Commencement parking.
How much will parking cost?
Visitor Parking is $15 for the day.
How do I purchase parking?
Students and guests are able to purchase a parking permit online, and in advance through the Bruin ePermit Portal. To avoid long lines at automated pay stations on site, it is strongly recommended that you purchase your parking permit well in advance of attending the commencement ceremonies.
I don't know my license plate information. Can I still purchase online and in advance?
Yes, for those that do not know what vehicle you will be bringing or are renting a car for the weekend, you are still able to purchase your parking permit through the Bruin ePermit Portal same day, use the self-service pay stations, or the ParkMobile app once you arrive on campus. Please visit the UCLA Transportation website for more information about Commencement parking.
Where can I find Accessible (DP) Parking?
Accessible Parking is available across campus (view map for locations). Guests displaying valid DP parking placards or license plates who have purchased a parking permit (see above) may park in any legal parking stall with the exception of Passenger Loading (white curb) and Commercial Loading (yellow curb) spaces.
Can I bring an RV to campus?
Parking at UCLA is designed for commuter vehicles and cannot accommodate recreational vehicles. The closest RV park is 14 miles southwest of UCLA at Dockweiler State Beach. The Dockweiler RV Park is close to the freeway and has full hookups. For directions, fees, and additional information please visit the Dockweiler RV Park website.
What if the parking location I purchased parking for is full?
You will be redirected to the next available parking location. Your pre-purchased parking permit will be honored at the new location.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to purchase my Commencement parking permit via Bruin ePermit?
If you are an active UCLA student, please make sure you are logged out of the Bruin ePermit Portal and purchase your Commencement parking permit as a guest. If you need additional support, please email transportation@ts.ucla.edu.
