Commencement 2024

Frequently Asked Questions About Commencement

Updated November, 2023

The Commencement Green is the lawn located next to The Club & Guest House overlooking the lagoon.

Yes, all ceremonies will be presented on the Commencement Livestream page. The livestream starts 15 minutes prior to each ceremony.

To help maintain a high level of comfort and decorum, we request that undergraduate students in the College of Letters and Science ceremonies limit the number of guests to 6. As a reminder, all ceremonies will be presented via livestream on the Commencement website for those not attending in person.

No. Tickets are NOT required to attend and guests do not need to reserve seating. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, however, we request you limit your guest count to 6 as seating is limited due to the large number of graduates and guests.

Inquire at your major's department office in the spring quarter.

No. Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted on campus during Commencement. For the safety of your pet and all guests, please leave your pet at home.

No. Alcohol, including celebratory champagne, is not permitted at Commencement and will be confiscated and discarded.

No. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco or unregulated nicotine products (such as electronic cigarettes) is prohibited on and within UCSB managed property. We thank you for not smoking or using any tobacco products.

Reference the Ceremony schedule for timing. Please allow for 60 minutes to exit campus.

Yes, Campus Concessions will be set up at the Commencement Green, next to the campus store.
Friday: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Times are subject to change.

You will find information about honors at graduation in the UCSB General Catalog. For more specific information, contact your college. Each college and department may also award additional honors and will contact you directly if you are to receive special regalia.

All of the above may be obtained from the UCSB Campus Store. Please visit the Campus Store website.

No; however, memorabilia such as diploma frames, the Stole of Gratitude, and announcements are extra. Please contact the UCSB Campus Store for more information and pricing.

All of the above may be obtained from the UCSB Campus Store. Visit the Campus Store website for the full list of available items.

While Commencement happens only once per year, students may declare degree candidacy in GOLD for any of the four academic quarters. For questions contact the Office of the Registrar or (805) 893-3592.

Diplomas are mailed approximately 3-4 months after the end of the term in which the degree was awarded. Please see information on diplomas at the Registrar’s website or email questions to GraduationMatters@sa.ucsb.edu.

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Questions About Commencement?

Visit our FAQ page to find answers to frequently asked questions or contact us by email at Commencement@ia.ucsb.edu.

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Alert System

The UCSB Alert system is intended to enhance and promote safety on campus by providing community members and visitors with timely access to important information. Visitors who would like to receive temporary access to UCSB Alerts can subscribe to our NIXLE channel by texting UCSBAlert to 888777. (Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.)

Temporary subscriptions to UCSBAlert expires at 9:00am the following day, but can also be canceled by replying STOP at any time. Visitors must renew subscriptions to continue receiving alerts after they expire.

For alerts and information about incidents that occur outside of Clery geography (e.g., Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara) the campus community is encouraged to sign up for Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency alerts in Goleta or Santa Barbara. For additional information on the UCSB Alert system please visit the UC Santa Barbara Police Department website.