UCLA Letters and Science Graduation Ceremony: A Comprehensive Guide

The UCLA Letters and Science graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion celebrating the academic achievements of its graduates. This guide provides detailed information for graduates and guests attending the ceremony, covering everything from attire and arrival times to parking, security, and accessibility.

Graduate Attire and Arrival

Graduates are advised to dress in business casual attire for the ceremony. They have the option to wear UCLA gowns, caps, and sashes to further commemorate their graduation.

Arrival Time

Check-in for graduates begins at 12:00 PM on the day of the ceremony. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, graduates are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 1:00 PM. This allows ample time to navigate security, check in, receive a name card, and locate assigned seating.

Tickets and Entry

Entry to the commencement venues requires a ticket for all attendees, including graduates and guests.

Mobile and Printed Tickets

Graduates and guests can access their tickets in two ways:

Mobile Tickets: Using a mobile device, tickets can be added to Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android). Remember to bring the mobile device to the event for scanning at entry.
Printed Tickets: Alternatively, a PDF of the tickets can be downloaded and printed on full 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheets of paper. These printed tickets should be brought to the event for scanning.

Ticket Requirements for Children

For commencement venues with ticketed admission, such as Pauley Pavilion, children aged 2 and under do not require a ticket if they can sit on a grown-up's lap for the entire ceremony. However, any child aged 3 or older, or any child under 2 who requires their own seat, must have a separate ticket.

Security Measures and Permitted Items

To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, security checks are conducted at all commencement venues. Guests, graduates, faculty, and staff must pass through a magnetometer security check upon entry.

Clear Bag Policy

The campus commencement venues, including Pauley Pavilion, Royce Hall, Drake Stadium, LATC, Ackerman Grand Ballroom, and Intramural Field, enforce a clear bag policy. Permitted bags must adhere to the following guidelines:

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 inches in width, 12 inches in height, and 6 inches in depth.
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (e.g., Ziploc bag).
Small clutch bags (4.5 inches x 6.5 inches), with or without a handle or strap, which can be carried separately or within a plastic bag.
Diaper bags are permitted only if an infant (for whom the bag is carried) is present.

Backpacks and duffle bags are not allowed in any venue.

Prohibited Items in Pauley Pavilion

In addition to the clear bag policy, certain items are strictly prohibited in Pauley Pavilion:

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Backpacks
Bags and purses larger than 12 inches x 12 inches
Noisemakers, including thunder sticks, musical instruments, whistles, air horns, or portable speakers
Weapons, pocket knives, box cutters, or projectiles
Alcoholic beverages
Any beverages except water in a sealed container
Food (unless for medicinal reasons or for young children)
Glass, metal, or hard plastic containers of any size
Hard or soft-sided coolers of any size
Boxes or wrapped packages of any size
Animals (other than service animals required because of a disability)
Balls, toys, or sports equipment
Banners, signs, or flags
Helium balloons and non-helium balloons larger than 6 inches in diameter
Laser pointers
Poles or sticks, including selfie sticks
Monopods or tripods
Telephoto lenses longer than 6 inches extended
Strollers
Child or infant car seats
Skates, skateboards, scooters, or bicycles
Vape pens
Lighters
Confetti, confetti poppers, or streamers
Helmets

Balloons and Celebratory Items

UCLA encourages guests and graduates to consider sustainable alternatives to traditional and environmentally impactful items like balloons. Rules regarding balloons vary by venue. Pauley Pavilion does not permit any balloons inside the venue. Outdoor venues only allow balloons that do not obstruct the view of other guests.

Parking Information

Graduates and guests can park in Parking Structure 7 and Parking Structure 4.

Parking Permits

Parking permits will be available for purchase in May 2025 through the Bruin ePermit system. Look for the "UCLA Extension Graduation" option under the "UCLA Commencement" category. The license plate serves as the permit, and the cost is $16 per vehicle. It is highly recommended to obtain a parking permit in advance.

Accessibility Accommodations

UCLA venues and facilities are equipped with wheelchair spaces and transfer seats, located on select aisles with folding armrests to facilitate easier transfer for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ticket Requests and Ordering

Each student must order their own ticket and submit a request for up to four complimentary tickets for the Communication department ceremony. There is also an option to be wait-listed for four additional tickets at $20.00 each. Ticket orders for the Communication department ceremony will begin on Friday, May 9, 2025, at noon and end on Friday, May 23, 2025, at midnight.

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It is essential to reserve both the graduate's ticket and the four free guest tickets during the designated ticket ordering period. Additional guest tickets are available for $20 each, but are not guaranteed. The availability of additional tickets will be determined after May 27, 2025, to ensure sufficient space for all graduates.

Each guest must have an electronic ticket for the ceremony. Tickets for all ceremonies will be distributed electronically between Friday, May 30th, and Friday, June 13th. Ticket ordering should be completed through the commencement ticket portal on MyUCLA (Academics tab > Commencement link).

Depending on the total number of tickets ordered by all students, additional tickets may become available.

Accessible Parking at Royce Hall

Royce Hall offers ADA-accessible parking via Parking Structure 5, level 4. Level 4 is accessible from the North Western side of PS5, with signage to guide attendees. Parking is available in any available space on level 4. From there, access to Royce Hall is step-free, with no stairs or steep ramps. Follow the walking signage to the venue. Upon arrival, staff members will be available to assist with any specific needs.

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