Frequently Asked Questions
Please review all of the Commencement Central pages, as well as the questions and answers below, before you contact the Commencement Office.
- Who is eligible to participate?
- I am a degree candidate. How do I register?
- How do I select my faculty presenter?
- What time is commencement and where will it be located?
- What time should degree candidates arrive for the Commencement ceremony?
- Do my guests need tickets to attend my Commencement?
- Is there a dress code for Commencement ceremonies?
- What will my cap and gown look like?
- Where do I get my cap and gown?
- Will someone be taking my picture?
- Are there provisions for guests with disabilities?
- Can a wheelchair be provided?
- Where am I allowed to park on campus?
- Will there be food or drink vendors at the Commencement ceremony?
- What will security be like?
- Will the UC Davis bookstores be open during Commencement?
- Will the campus restaurants be open during Commencement?
- What hotels are in the area?
- What kind of area entertainment is available?
- What will the weather be like during Commencement?
- Will the ceremony be broadcast?
- Where can I go to get more information?
- Helpful Hints
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
All those who received graduate degrees in September 2007 and December 2007, as well as candidates for degrees in March 2008 and June 2008, are eligible to participate.
Candidates who expect to complete their degree requirements after June 2008 but by September 30, 2008 may participate in the June ceremonies, upon registration and confirmation by their Major Professor or Graduate Adviser.
If you plan to participate, please register online by April 18, 2008. Registration after that date will result in your name being omitted from the Commencement program and may prevent you from receiving tickets. However, you must still register in order to participate.
I AM A DEGREE CANDIDATE. HOW DO I REGISTER?
Graduating students wishing to walk in commencement need to register online by April 18, 2008.
Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID and register here.
If you no longer have a Kerberos ID, never had one, or are having trouble, click here for non-Kerberos access.
HOW DO I SELECT MY FACULTY PRESENTER?
Upon registering for Commencement, you can request one or two professors to walk with you. Register online here.
WHAT TIME IS COMMENCEMENT AND WHERE WILL IT BE LOCATED?
The Graduate Studies Commencement will take place from 4:00 p.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m. in the ARC Pavilion on June 12, 2008. An outdoor reception serving light refreshments immediately follows.
WHAT TIME SHOULD DEGREE CANDIDATES ARRIVE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
Students are asked to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony begins.
DO MY GUESTS NEED TICKETS TO ATTEND MY COMMENCEMENT?
Admission tickets will NOT be required to attend the UC Davis Graduate Studies Commencement Ceremony on June 12, 2008. (This is a change from previous years.)
However, to allow admittance of every student's loved ones, you should be considerate and limit your guests to your immediate family members.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES?
While there is no formal dress code, Commencement is an important event, and many people choose to dress up for the occasion. The only required attire is the cap and gown, which can be rented through the Bookstore.
WHAT WILL MY CAP AND GOWN LOOK LIKE?
The color of your tassel is determined by your school and degree. The Commencement tassel will be provided with your cap and gown rental. Visit the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for more information.
You should also visit our Cap & Gown pages.
WHERE DO I GET MY CAP AND GOWN?
Regalia, caps, gowns, announcements, diploma frames and graduation gifts can all be purchased online through the UC Davis Bookstore. Please visit the Main Bookstore for price lists, information, and ordering. Announcements are shipped within two days of ordering. Make sure to order wallet-sized portraits to include in your announcements. Order and pick-up early to avoid any delays or long lines.
UC Davis Main Bookstore
Memorial Union
Davis, Ca 95616
(530) 752-6846
E-Mail: bookstore@ucdavis.edu
WILL SOMEONE BE TAKING MY PICTURE?
Yes. Bob Knight Photography will be taking individual photographs of each candidate after they walk off the stage. For a reduced rate, please register directly with the photographer or call (800) 261-2576 and reference the Department Code G1 when prompted. Family members and friends should take photographs of candidates either before or after Commencement. Guests are not permitted to take photographs standing on the arena floor. There are designated photography sections in the stands.
ARE THERE PROVISIONS FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES?
Yes. Special arrangements can be made for guests with disabilities. Contact Wave Armijo, (530) 752-3762, as far in advance as possible to explain your needs. Visit the Disability Resources page for more information on available accommodations.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide wheelchairs to campus guests, as the Graduate Division does not own a supply of wheelchairs. Those families interested in renting wheelchairs are encouraged to contact a local provider, which you can find on the Disability Resources page.
WHERE AM I ALLOWED TO PARK ON CAMPUS?
Parking will be free in the lots surrounding the ARC. This includes the West Entry Parking Structure on the corner of LaRue and Hutchison, the VP 25 Parking Lot adjacent to the ARC, and the VP 35 Lot on the corner of LaRue and Orchard, across the street from the ARC. Be sure to come early, parking will fill up fast.
Visit our Directions, Maps & Parking page for more information.
WILL THERE BE FOOD OR DRINK VENDORS AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
No. Other than bottled water, no food or drink is permitted inside the ARC Pavilion.
However, immediately following Commencement, a reception serving light refreshments will be held on the lawn outside the ARC Pavilion for degree recipients, their friends and families, and friends of Graduate Studies. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate with professors and family.
Also, Davis offers many great restaurants where you can enjoy a pre-Commencement breakfast or a post-Commencement dinner. For some restaurant venues, visit our Dining page.
Visit our Security page for measures taken to ensure the safety of our students, guests, faculty and staff.
WILL THE UC DAVIS BOOKSTORES BE OPEN DURING COMMENCEMENT?
Yes. The bookstores will be open during Commencement weekend.
For other shopping venues, visit our Shopping page.
WILL THE CAMPUS RESTAURANTS BE OPEN DURING COMMENCEMENT?
Visit the Silo Café and Pub Web site to see if they will be open.
For other restaurant venues, visit our Dining page.
Visit our Hotels page for a list of overnight options in Davis and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, no on-campus accommodations are available.
Back to topWHAT KIND OF AREA ENTERTAINMENT IS AVAILABLE?
Visit our Entertainment page for a listing of area events.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE DURING COMMENCEMENT?
Visit our Weather page for current and anticipated weather conditions.
WILL THE CEREMONY BE BROADCAST?
Yes, the Graduate Studies commencement will be shown live via a Web broadcast beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. For friends and family members unable to attend the ceremony, this is a wonderful feature that allows them to experience the event.
WHERE CAN I GO TO GET MORE INFORMATION?
Please first review the "Commencement Central" Web pages thoroughly. The pages are full of detailed information and designed to address a multitude of questions and scenarios.
If you still can't find the information you need, please e-mail Fredericka Parker, Communications and Marketing Manager, at faparker@ucdavis.edu.
- Immediately following Commencement, a reception serving light refreshments will be held on the lawn outside the ARC Pavilion for degree recipients, their friends and families, and friends of Graduate Studies. (In the event of rain, an alternate location will be announced following the ceremony.) You may want to designate a different location to meet your loved ones, rather than searching amongst hundreds of people on Hutchison Field. Some good meeting points include inside the ARC main entrance, the Segundo Dining Commons, or at the corner of LaRue and Hutchison.
- Make reservations early – Make sure to confirm all lodging arrangements as far in advance as possible, especially if you prefer to lodge in Davis. During Commencement weekend, local hotels may fill up fast. The same goes for some of the more upscale restaurants: save yourself the wait and make a reservation in advance.
- If possible, resist driving downtown. During Commencement weekend, streets will be congested with pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Save yourself the hassle of finding parking and waiting in traffic by walking downtown. It is very convenient.
- If you get lost, there are maps located around the Davis campus and throughout downtown Davis, though you should carry your own if you are unfamiliar with the area. Each campus building has a sign that denotes the name of the building. Remember which buildings are nearest your car. If you are still having trouble finding your way, ask any staff or student for directions.
- Bring sun block if you think you'll spend time outdoors, especially for children. June weather in Davis is traditionally very warm and can cause sun damage if you are not protected.