Commencement FAQs for Students

Is there a rehearsal before the ceremony?

The ceremony begins promptly at 2:00pm and will last approximately one hour.

What items are prohibited in Zellerbach Playhouse?

• Large bags or backpacks

• Glass bottles or aluminum cans

• Food and beverages (except bottled water)

• Coolers or ice chests

• Skateboards, bicycles, or scooters

• Musical instruments

• Fireworks

• Noise-makers or air horns

• Rolls of toilet paper

• Confetti cannons or poppers

• Balloons

• Signs, banners, or flags

• Camera tripods

• Animals (except documented service animals)

• Lawn furniture or chairs

• Any item that may be perceived as a weapon

How does the processional, diplomas, and recessional work?

• All Ph.D. candidates, B.A. students, and students receiving minors will be seated on stage.

• When prompted, walk across the stage, receive your scroll, and return to your seat.

• Before the ceremony: tassel on the right

• After your degree is granted: tassel on the left

No, regalia is not required. Business casual attire is recommended. The Cal Student Store will have gowns for rental and caps, tassels and stoles available for purchase. More details on rentals will be posted soon. Regalia will not be available to purchase on-site during the event.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) offers the Graduation Gown Lending Project, which provides free gown rentals for first-generation and low-income UC Berkeley students. Applications are not open yet.

Yes. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony in the plaza outside the Playhouse lobby.

The reception will last approximately 45 minutes, and light refreshments will be provided.

• Lower Sproul Garage: $12 flat rate, debit or credit card only (no cash)
• Telegraph Channing Garage: Public parking; rates and hours may vary

A campus parking map is available here.

There is limited accessible parking in Lower Sproul Garage for vehicles with valid DMV disability placards or license plates, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking for department graduations is first come, first served. Graduates and guests are encouraged to use free Bear Transit campus shuttles.

For additional parking information, visit the City of Berkeley website. 

Will I need a ticket for commencement? 

No. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served.

Yes, but accessible seating is limited. Please contact Chloe Wong (chloeclar@berkeley.edu) as soon as possible to request accommodations. Due to venue limitations, not all requests may be able to be fulfilled.

Will there be live captioning?

Yes. Live closed captioning will be provided by a real-time captioner. English, Spanish, and Traditional Mandarin captions are standard in our venues. A QR code will be shared as soon as it is available.

Will the event be livestreamed?

TBD

Yes. All graduates will be individually recognized and called to the stage to receive a scroll.

No. Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony.

Commencement is a celebratory event only and does not indicate official degree completion. Some students may finish degree requirements after the ceremony.

Diploma processing can take up to four months after degree completion.
Diplomas are not mailed automatically. Students must request their diploma and/or final transcript through the Office of Registrar's website.

University Convocation will take place on Saturday, May 16th at California Memorial Stadium.

All graduating students, regardless of major, are welcome to attend. This is a ticketed event.