UCLA Law Graduation Traditions: A Legacy of Pride and Progress
Commencement at UCLA is more than a milestone-it is the embodiment of the Bruin spirit. It’s the culmination of moments beneath the Jacaranda trees, rallies along Bruin Walk, late nights in Powell Library, and game days at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA's graduation traditions are a blend of time-honored academic customs and unique expressions of student identity and achievement. From the required cap and gown to the optional, yet popular, decorated stoles, UCLA's graduation ceremonies are a vibrant display of the diverse experiences and accomplishments of its graduates.
Academic Attire: A Uniform of Achievement
According to the UCLA Store, all graduating students are required to wear a cap and gown. In accordance with the Academic Costume Code, UCLA’s current graduation attire for undergraduates consists of a cap, gown, and tassel. Additional items like a hood or tassels depend on their degree level. The standard attire creates a sense of unity while allowing for individual expression.
Bachelor's Degree Regalia
B.S. degree candidate attire consists of a standard black gown, a cap (mortarboard), and an orange tassel indicating the type of degree. There is no hood associated with the B.S. attire. B.S. candidates wear the tassel on the right side of the cap and will participate in a tassel-turning ceremony when their degrees have been conferred.
Master's Degree Regalia
Master’s graduates are distinguished by gowns with oblong sleeves and academic hoods lined in luminous gold satin with a blue chevron signifying UCLA colors. Each hood is finished with velvet trim representing disciplines across UCLA’s schools. M.S. degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), a golden yellow hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (M.S.). M.S. candidates wear their tassels on the left side indicating they have already earned a degree. M.S. candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Science) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be gold, NOT orange for the M.S. hood. MEng and Engineer degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), an orange hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (MEng or ENGR). Candidates wear their tassels on the left side indicating they have already earned a degree. MEng candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Science) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be orange, NOT gold for the hood.
Doctoral Degree Regalia
Doctoral graduates step into UCLA’s most prestigious attire: tailored crepe blue gowns accented with gold piping, plush blue velvet front panels, and three blue velvet chevrons on each bell sleeve. The doctoral hood, lined in UCLA’s signature colors of luminous gold satin with a bold UC blue chevron, is trimmed in velvet to denote each discipline-Ph.D. blue, JD purple, and MD green. The ensemble is completed with an eight-sided blue velvet tam, adjustable for fit, and a gold bullion tassel for an added touch of prestige. Ph.D. degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, cap (mortarboard), a dark blue hood, and a gold tassel indicating the level of their degree (Ph.D.). Ph.D. candidates wear their tassels on the left side indicating they have already earned a degree. Ph.D. candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Doctor of Philosophy) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be dark blue, NOT orange, no matter what the field of study for the Ph.D. hood. NOTE: Ph.D. students also have the option to purchase a TAM separately instead of a cap. This is a personal choice by the student.
Read also: Commencement Speakers at UCLA
Tassels and Trims: Identifying Schools and Disciplines
UCLA uses specific colors to denote different schools and disciplines within the university. Students earning a bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film, and Television wear brown tassels. Purple tassels and trims are designated for School of Law graduates, while green tassels and trims are worn by those graduating from the David Geffen School of Medicine. These color distinctions add a layer of visual diversity to the graduation ceremony, highlighting the breadth of academic pursuits at UCLA.
Honor Cords
Honor Cords/Gold Fourragère is made of braided cord and worn over the arm at the left shoulder, signify academic distinction and are awarded to undergraduate students who have attained Latin Honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude. Bachelor of Science students eligible for latin honors* will be able to purchase their honor cords from the Graduation, Etc (located in Ackerman A-Level) beginning Monday June 1, 2026 (In-Person ONLY). *If you have not already completed your degree and have officially been awarded latin honors we will use the tentative latin honors eligibility as posted on your Degree Audit Report (DARS). You must have followed the degree audit process. Please run a DARS (via MyUCLA) to verify your tentative eligibility. Please reference this quick guide to show you how to wear the honor cords.
The White Dress Tradition: A Historical Perspective
Despite the lack of an official dress code at UCLA, for at least 140 years, students have traditionally worn white on graduation. Marina Nye, a history doctoral student, said, “We have images of women in graduation gowns dating from the 1870s … which also corresponds with when women started going to college.” This tradition reflects a historical connection to the early days of women in higher education and continues to be a popular choice for many graduates.
Stoles and Sashes: Personalizing the Celebration
Another distinctive element of the UCLA graduation attire is the satin blue stole. While not mandatory for the ceremony, many students opt to wear one. The standard stole sold at the UCLA store only features the name of the school and a student’s graduation class. Sashes which indicates Class of XXXX, UCLA Bruins, or show student organization affiliations are not required. However, many students buy them as keepsakes or additional flare.
Expressions of Identity
Many students choose to decorate their stoles to reflect their personal interests, cultural heritage, and involvement in campus organizations. Jessica Lin, a fourth-year molecular, cell, and developmental biology student, said she decorated her sash to feature clubs on campus that highlighted her cultural identity - including UCLA Wushu, a Chinese martial arts club on campus.
Read also: UCLA Graduates: Earning Potential
Political Statements
UCLA is not alone as students from schools across the country use their graduation attire as a form of political protest. Romero said, “I not only chose to wear it as a symbol of my Mexican pride, but also because I spent all four of my years at UCLA in Mariachi de Uclatlán.”
Practical Information for Graduates and Guests
Arrival Time
Check-in will begin at 12:00pm. Graduates are highly suggested to arrive no later than 1:00pm on the day of the ceremony. This is to give enough time to go through security, check in and complete your name card, and find your spot for ceremony seating.
Guest Tickets
In all ticketed commencement venues, including Pauley Pavilion, any child the age of 2 or under does not require a ticket if that child can sit on a grown-up's lap for the entire duration of the ceremony. Anyone 3+ or any child under the age of 2 that requires their own individual seat must be counted separately as a guest and will need a ticket.
Security Measures and Permitted Items
Guests, graduates, faculty, and staff must go through a magnetometer security check upon entering any venue. Everyone must have a ticket, whether you are a Graduate or a Guest. Graduates will NOT be allowed to bring in any bags. Graduates will also be asked to remove their robes and sashes for security to check them before entering the venue.
The campus commencement venues of Pauley Pavilion, Royce Hall, Drake Stadium, LATC, Ackerman Grand Ballroom, and Intramural Field have a clear bag only policy for Guests only. Bags brought into these venues must meet the following requirements:
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- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12”W x 12”H x 6”D.
- One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bag 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag.
- Diaper bags, if infant (for which bag is carried) is present.
Backpacks and duffle bags are not permitted in any venue.
Prohibited Items
UCLA encourages guests and graduates to consider sustainable alternatives to traditional and environmentally impactful items such as balloons. The rules for what you can bring into each venue varies depending on that venue's rules. Please note, Pauley Pavilion does NOT permit any balloons inside the venue. Outdoor venues only permit balloons that do not block the views of other guests.
List of Prohibited Items for Pauley Pavilion:
- Backpacks
- Bags and purses larger than 12” x 12”
- 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 (other than 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” in diameter
- Laser pointers
- Poles or sticks, including selfie sticks
- Monopods or tripods
- Telephoto lenses longer than 6” extended
- Strollers
- Child or infant car seats
- Skates, skateboards, scooters or bicycles
- Vape pens
- Lighters
- Confetti, confetti poppers or streamers
- Helmets
Parking Information
Graduates and Guests may park in Parking Structure 7 and Parking Structure 4. Parking Permits will be made available in May 2026. Please obtain a parking permit in advance via the Bruin ePermit system. You will find the ePermits listed as “UCLA Extension Graduation” under the “UCLA Commencement” category. Your license plate is your permit and the permit costs $17/vehicle.
ADA Accommodations
UCLA venues and facilities are equipped with both wheelchair spaces and transfer seats located on select aisles, which have folding armrests to make transfer easier for those with mobility limitations.
UCLA Law School Commencement
In the hour before the beginning of UCLA Law’s commencement ceremony - the first in-person, live commencement held since 2019 - graduates streamed towards Dickson Court North in their black robes and blue-and-gold UCLA sashes. Some ambled, relishing the moment; others strode, with purpose, for what was surely a big day for them and their parents. (And their parents were easy to spot. A large crowd of well more than 2000 friends, family, faculty, and staff were gathering to honor the cohort of graduates, which included 342 juris doctor (J.D.) degree candidates, 237 master of laws (LL.M.) degree candidates, and one doctor of juridical science (S.J.D.) candidate.
Class of 2020
The Class of 2020’s J.D. graduates included roughly equal numbers of men and women, ranging in age from 22 to 42. Approximately 28% identified as Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American or Pacific Islander, and 18% were first-generation college students. About 7% of the J.D. The LL.M. graduates, many of whom were already accomplished legal professionals before they came to UCLA Law to pursue their legal master’s degree, hailed from 33 countries, were 61% female and ranged in age from 20 to 56. Chilean S.J.D. recipient Ricardo Lillo worked under the supervision of professor and Criminal Justice Program faculty director Máximo Langer to produce a dissertation on due process in non-criminal cases. Chinese S.J.D.
Class of 2021
UCLA School of Law celebrated the Class of 2021 in a graduation ceremony that streamed live on the internet on May 21. More than 1,000 people tuned in to watch the commencement and to cheer on 341 juris doctor (J.D.) graduates, 44 master of laws (LL.M.) recipients, and one doctor of juridical science (S.J.D.) candidate. In addition, the school graduated its inaugural master of legal studies class, with eight people earning an M.L.S.
Recent Events and Context
UCLA Law’s commencement on Friday came amid a backdrop of continued campus unrest in Southern California and across the nation since some 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 253 taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, according to Israeli tallies. There were references to what many of the students have been through, ranging from the pandemic to social unrest.
Alternative Regalia Options
Unlike the UCLA Store, where regalia can be costly and take weeks to be delivered, CAPGOWN fulfills bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral regalia in just one business day-at about half the UCLA store price. Backed by thousands of verified 5-star reviews from Bruins nationwide, our regalia are praised for craftsmanship, comfort, and durability that last well beyond the ceremony. Each regalia set adheres to the strict standards of the UCLA commencement committee, making CAPGOWN the trusted alternative source of regalia for UCLA grads.
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