UCLA Commencement Ceremony: A Comprehensive Guide
Commencement is a momentous occasion, a celebration of academic achievements shared with family, friends, faculty, and administrators. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion. This article provides a detailed overview of UCLA commencement ceremonies, covering essential information for graduates and their guests, including specific details for the Psychology Department Undergraduate Commencement Celebration and the Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony.
General Commencement Information
UCLA commencement ceremonies typically occur in June during the final week of spring quarter. These ceremonies are optional; attendance is not mandatory to receive a diploma. Degree candidates of the B.A. may have the option to participate in several ceremonies during commencement weekend, as departments and student organizations host ceremonies for their respective student populations. Students completing a double/triple major can participate in additional School/College, departmental, and student celebrations. To participate, students must complete the ticket ordering process for each ceremony.
Keynote Speakers and Livestreaming
Many ceremonies feature keynote speakers. For example, Sara Bareilles, a UCLA alumna and Grammy Award-winning artist, was the 2025 keynote speaker for the College of Letters and Science UCLA graduation ceremony. For those unable to attend in person, many graduation ceremonies are live-streamed and recorded.
Psychology Department Undergraduate Commencement Celebration
Arrival and Registration
Guests should arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony (e.g., 7:15 AM). Guests will line up outside of Pauley Pavilion. Upon arrival, graduates need to stop at the Registration Table, located at the tennis courts on the west side of the building, to pick up their name card. This card is crucial as it will be read when the graduate crosses the stage. Ensure both sides of the card are filled out. After picking up the card, graduates proceed to the line to enter Pauley Pavilion.
Venue and Seating
The ceremony is typically held at Pauley Pavilion. Graduates will sit in a designated section in no particular order. Family members and guests cannot approach the graduate section to take pictures but can take photos from their seats.
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Photography
Grad Images will take individual photos of each graduate as they cross the stage, as well as a group photo at the end of the celebration. These photos will be available for purchase. Additionally, photographs will be taken as graduates cross the stage and leave it.
Attire
Graduates must wear their cap and gown to the Psychology Department Undergraduate Commencement Celebration. Comfortable shoes are advised.
Accessibility
For graduates or guests with disabilities that may limit mobility inside Pauley Pavilion, contact the Psychology Advising Office via Message Center in advance. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.
Parking
The best parking for Pauley Pavilion is Parking Lot 7 or 8. Current UCLA permit holders may park in their assigned spot during commencement without additional costs. Guests can pre-purchase parking passes through the Bruin ePermit Event Parking portal. Purchasing parking permits in advance is recommended to avoid long lines at the self-service pay stations.
Post-Ceremony
A photo opportunity will be held at the Intramural Field after the ceremony, allowing degree recipients, faculty, family, and friends to meet and take photographs. Signage will designate areas for B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. recipients.
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UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Ceremony
Eligibility and Participation
The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program commencement ceremony is open to undergraduate students graduating with a B.A. Students who do not meet the commencement eligibility criteria may submit a Special Inclusion Petition to participate.
Surveys
Graduating seniors are invited to participate in several surveys, including the Luskin Senior Exit Survey, the UCLA Senior Survey, and the First Destination Survey (FDS), to share feedback about their experiences at UCLA and their post-graduation plans. Completing the Luskin Senior Exit Survey is required to access the Luskin Commencement ticket ordering process.
Ticket Ordering
Students pursuing the B.A. in Public Affairs who wish to participate in the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement ceremony must confirm their participation by completing the ticket ordering process. Ticket ordering typically opens in late April and closes in early May. For the 2025 Luskin Commencement Ceremony, students received 1 ticket for themselves and up to 8 guest tickets. After the ticket ordering process, students receive their digital commencement tickets from the UCLA Central Ticket Office 1-2 weeks before the ceremony. Selling commencement tickets is a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
Parking
Students and guests can purchase daily parking permits for the commencement ceremonies via the Bruin ePermit Portal, selecting “UCLA Commencement” as the event. The closest parking lots to the commencement venue are Parking Structures 4, 7, and 8.
Regalia
Undergraduate students participating in the in-person commencement ceremonies must wear a black cap/mortar board, black gown, and tassel. Regalia can be ordered from the UCLA Store Graduation Etc. Students graduating with Latin Honors or College Honors, and/or recipients of the Chancellor’s Service Award, are eligible to wear honor cords.
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Student Speaker and Multilingual Greeters
Students interested in being considered for the Commencement Student Speaker opportunity must complete the Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form. The graduating class will vote to elect the student speaker. The Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony begins with students welcoming the audience in various languages. Students who speak a language other than English can apply to be one of the multilingual greeters.
Commencement Etiquette and Safety
Conduct
All graduates are expected to demonstrate True Bruin values before, during, and after the ceremony and must abide by the UCLA Student Conduct Code.
Prohibited Items
To ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees, certain items are prohibited at commencement venues, including alcoholic or carbonated beverages, bottles/cans/coolers, balloons/inflatable items, spray cans, and items that may distract from the ceremony. Staff are advised to remove such items.
Clear Bag Policy
A clear bag policy is enforced during Commencement Weekend at Pauley Pavilion and other venues. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12”W x 12”H x 6”D. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags or small clutch bags (4.5” x 6.5”) are also permitted. Backpacks and duffle bags are not allowed.
Security
Guests, graduates, faculty, and staff must go through a magnetometer security check upon entering any venue. Graduates will not be allowed to bring in any bags and may be asked to remove their robes and sashes for security checks.
Accessibility and Assistance
UCLA provides accommodations to ensure all graduates and guests can participate fully in commencement ceremonies. For graduates needing accessibility assistance, contact the Center for Accessible Education. Guests needing accessibility accommodations can contact the college or department holding the ceremony.
Seating and Parking
All UCLA commencement venues are accessible. Guests needing accessible seating should inform event staff at check-in. All UCLA parking structures have accessible parking.
Service Animals and Sign Language Interpreters
Service animals are allowed in the commencement venues. Sign language interpreters are available at the Luskin Commencement ceremony and can be requested for other ceremonies.
Additional Resources
UCLA Store
The UCLA Store offers a one-stop-shop for graduation resources, including essentials, diploma frames, portraits, alumni merchandise, commencement flowers, water, grad regalia, and gifts. Water stations are available throughout Wilson Plaza, Dickson Court, and around Pauley Pavilion. Floral arrangements are sold at various locations on campus.
Bruin ePermit Portal
Parking permits can be purchased online via the Bruin ePermit portal. It is recommended to purchase permits in advance and arrive early on commencement day due to increased traffic density.
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