Commencement

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 14, and is the largest single degree conferring commencement. The College ceremonies are often what people think of as UCLA's "main commencement" because 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 ceremonies. 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.

Should we expect protests or demonstrations at commencement events? How will you approach disruptions?

UCLA, like many other universities across the country, has been the site of political demonstrations this spring. Visitors may encounter protest activity on our campus during commencement weekend. While we are putting in place additional security measures to ensure commencement ceremonies proceed, it is also possible that there will be demonstrations during the events themselves.

If minor disruptions during ceremonies occur, our commencement speakers and leadership will approach them with patience, and we ask that you do the same. In the event of any significant interruptions, we will take appropriate action to de-escalate the situation to protect the safety of all attendees and allow the event to move forward.

Celebrating graduation is an important part of the college experience, and we are committed to safeguarding a secure and festive environment for all of our graduates and their families.

Who is eligible to participate in the 2024 commencements?

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.

When is the registration deadline for participating in UCLA Commencements and how can graduates register?

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.

How do I access my commencement tickets?

Please refer to these quick steps for accessing tickets or more comprehensive ticketing guide. 

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.

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?

The campus commencement venues of Pauley Pavilion, Royce Hall, Drake Stadium, LATC, Ackerman Grand Ballroom, and Intramural Field have a clear bag only policy in 2024. Bags brought into these venues must meet the following requirements: 

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12”W x 12”H x 6”D
• One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bag 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag
• Diaper bags if infant for which bag is carried is present

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Parking information can be found on the UCLA Transportation website.