Frequently Asked Questions
Student FAQ
Graduation vs. Commencement
Commencement is different from graduation. Commencement is the celebration that graduation has, or will soon occur. Graduation is the official acknowledgment that a student’s course of study is complete and, with that, a degree conferred.
Eligibility Requirements To Participate in Commencement
Graduate Student Eligibility Requirements: If you will complete your degree in the 2023-2024 academic year (Summer 23, Fall 23, Winter 24, Spring 24), you are eligible to participate in commencement. Please visit the Division of Graduate Studies webpage for more information.
Undergraduate Student Eligibility Requirements: To apply to graduate for the bachelor’s degree, you must apply by the deadline stated in the Academic and Administrative Calendar. For more graduation information, please visit the Office of the Registrar. Students who are eligible to participate in the Commencement 2024 will graduate in the following quarters: Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024.
Remember: Apply to graduate for the quarter in which you will complete all degree requirements—including in-progress work. Determine that you have completed, or will complete, the requirements for graduation with both your college and departmental advising offices. You may apply to graduate up to one quarter in advance of the quarter in which you will earn your degree.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed three to four months after the graduation date to the permanent mailing address on record with the Office of the Registrar. For questions contact the Office of the Registrar.
Do graduates receive university honor cords?
UC Santa Cruz does not offer honors cords for University Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude), or Dean's Honors. Students are encouraged to contact their major department regarding graduation stoles and/or cords.
Will commencement be live-streamed?
Yes, Commencement will be live-streamed! The live stream link will be posted on the commencement website closer to the event date.
Will there be a professional photographer at the commencement?
Professional photographers, BestGrad Inc., will be on-site. They will take a series of photos. After commencement is complete, they will reach out to students via their @ucsc.edu email with options for purchase.
Will graduates be hooded during the Graduate Division ceremony?
Yes! Ph.D. graduates will be hooded during the Graduate Division Ceremony. The Graduate Division will share additional information.
Will there be a commencement program?
Yes! UC Santa Cruz creates a sustainable virtual program. The program will be featured on the commencement website the week of commencement. Graduates, guests, and the campus community will be able to view, download, and share.
How long is each ceremony and celebration?
Each ceremony and celebration is 90 minutes in length.
How can I get more than 5 tickets?
After commencement registration closes on May 13, The Commencement Team will review the amount of available tickets per event. If tickets are available, students will be able to claim the remaining tickets on a first come first serve basis. Students will receive an email when the additional tickets are available to claim in the registration system.
GUEST FAQ
Will the Bay Tree Campus Store be open the weekend of commencement?
The Bay Tree Campus Store will sell limited supplies at the commencement venue. Bay Tree Campus store will also be open over the commencement weekend, the store's hours and location can be found here.
