Celebrate UCR's 69th Commencement
Commencement 2023 Announcement
In response to feedback regarding the overall Commencement experience for graduates, family members, and loved ones, UC Riverside is enhancing the graduate experience. We are excited to announce that the 2023 Commencement ceremonies will take place at Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. As a result, graduates and their guests will have the luxury of an air-conditioned ceremony with improved seating, sightlines, and security. The ceremonies for Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates are scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 - Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Toyota Arena. For more information, please see the 2023 Commencement announcement here. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the FAQ page here.
Commencement 2023
Welcome to the official Website for UC Riverside's 69th Commencement.
If you are a graduating student, congratulations on your achievement! You have worked hard to get to this point in your life and UC Riverside is honored to have been part of your journey.
Making this day a memorable occasion for you and your proud family members and friends is very important to UC Riverside, so we have developed this website for everything Commencement.
We will continue to update the website with Commencement 2023 deadlines and information so please check back periodically and stay updated!
Getting Started
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Step 1: Apply to Graduate
If you are a UC Riverside student who graduated Fall 2022 or are expected to graduate in Winter 2023 or Spring 2023, you are eligible to participate in the Class of 2023 Commencement. If you expect to graduate Summer 2023, you may be approved to participate if you submit your Summer graduation application by the early deadline of TBD.
In order to graduate from UCR, all students must submit a graduation application via R'Web. In addition to this, Bachelor's degree students in CHASS and School of Business must also complete your College graduation application.
For Advanced degree candidates and Teaching Credential candidates, please complete the appropriate paperwork on time and receive approval from the Graduate Division and Teacher Education Program office.
For instructions on how to file your graduation application, please visit the Registrar's Guide to Graduation Website.
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Step 2: Check out our Class of 2023 Commencement checklist to stay on track with the various requirements and deadlines relating to your participation
Review your respective Class of 2023 Graduation Checklist (To Be Updated) for deadlines relating to the Intent to Participate form, and other important information regarding Commencement participation.
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Step 3: Submit your Intent to Participate form starting TBD (April 2023)
The Intent to Participate form confirms that you will be participating in the Class of 2023 Commencement. The form will open on TBD (April 2023), and login and instructions will be e-mailed to eligible students that afternoon.
It is important to submit your Intent to Participate by TBD to ensure that you can order the maximum number of tickets for your ceremony.
Please check your respective Class of 2023 Commencement checklist (To Be Updated) for important deadlines relating to the Intent to Participate form.
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Step 4: Order your guest tickets starting TBD
Starting TBD, you can log in to Marching Order with the same login information as the Intent to Participate form to order your guest tickets. All graduates are guaranteed a minimum of eight (8) complimentary tickets for your Commencement ceremony. Please note that the maximum number of tickets available vary by ceremony and ticket ordering is not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible graduates who submit their Intent to Participate form by TBD are guaranteed the maximum number of tickets for their specific ceremony. Please note, if your Intent to Participate form is submitted after the deadline, you may not be able to order the maximum number of tickets for your specific ceremony and your legal first and last name will be pre-recorded and displayed as you cross the stage.
The exact number of maximum tickets for each ceremony will be announced in TBD prior to when the ticketing portion of the Intent to Participate form opens.
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Step 5: Let us know your plans after graduation!
You've made it to graduation, but what's your next destination? Tell us your next step now!
Schedule of Ceremonies
Friday, June 2, 2023
6:00 p.m. School of Medicine - Commencement / Hippocratic Oath Ceremony
M.D. degree recipients
Location: Student Recreation Center North, main gymnasium
Saturday, June 3, 2023
9:00 a.m. Graduate Division Hooding Ceremony
All Ph.D. degree and M.F.A. degree candidates
Location: Student Recreation Center North, main gymnasium
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
8:00 a.m. College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Group 1
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates in the departments of Biology and Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
Location: Toyota Arena
1:00 p.m. College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Group 2
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates in the departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Data Science, Earth Sciences, Entomology, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Geophysics, Mathematics, Mathematics for Secondary Teachers, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Physics, Plant Biology, and Statistics
Location: Toyota Arena
6:00 p.m. Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates
Location: Toyota Arena
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
8:00 a.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Group 1
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates to select preferred ceremony date/time on a first-come, first-served basis through the Intent to Participate form
Location: Toyota Arena
1:00 p.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Group 2
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates to select preferred ceremony date/time on a first-come, first-served basis through the Intent to Participate form
Location: Toyota Arena
6:00 p.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Group 3
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates to select preferred ceremony date/time on a first-come, first-served basis through the Intent to Participate form
Location: Toyota Arena
Thursday, June 22, 2023
8:00 a.m. School of Education and School of Public Policy
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates and Teacher Credential candidates
Location: Toyota Arena
1:00 p.m. School of Business
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates
Location: Toyota Arena
Tradition & Symbols
The UCR Pipe Band
The UCR Pipe Band performs on the campus and surrounding community at formal and informal events, including parades, memorials, highland games, athletic events, alumni events, Chancellor's events and Commencement. The band encompasses a diverse group of musicians and performers offering a wide variety of Celtic music played on bagpipes and drums. Visit their website to find out more about the UCR Pipe Band.
The Regalia
In 1895, American Universities adopted a code for uniformity in academic dress. These codes, handed down from European academic ceremonies, represent different degree levels, field of study, and the institution from which the degree was earned. Each color, worn on tassels, hoods, velvet and satin trimmings, represents a specific educational discipline:
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: white
- Commerce, Accountancy, Business: drab
- Economics: copper
- Education: light blue
- Engineering: orange
- Music: pink
- Philosophy: dark blue
- Public Administration: peacock blue
- Medicine: green
- Science: golden yellow
- Theology: scarlet
- Social Work: citron
The Seal of the University of California
The present seal, designed by Tiffany and Company, has been used since 1910. The seal incorporates symbolic icons and phrases that represent the image of the University. Symbols used include:
- The open book, which symbolized the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge.
- The letter "A", representing the beginning of wisdom.
- The five-pointed star above the book represents the discovery and sharing of knowledge.
- The University motto, "Fiat Lux", or "Let There be Light", displayed on a scroll, represents the coming of light and knowledge in to the world.
The Chancellor's Medal
The Chancellor's Medal is worn at ceremonial observances as a part of the chancellor's regalia. At the center is the University of California seal. The back of the medal displays the names of the campus' chancellors and year he or she was inaugurated.
The UC Riverside Mace
The academic mace, first used in the 14th century, is descended from the club of Hercules. The scepter on the mace stands for lawful power and regal authority, and was carried by Zeus, the Greek God of moral law and order.
Most academic maces take the same general shape. At the top is an ornament placed on a bulbous head; ring-shaped enlargements are found on the shaft; and the base is a round, foliated ornament.
The UC Riverside Mace was first suggested by Ramon J. Rhine, Chair of the Academic Senate, to represent the dignity and history of the campus. Professor Emeritus George Helmkamp designed and constructed the ceremonial mace, with Eugene L. Ethridge of the Chemistry Department contributing metal work.
The UC Riverside mace was hand crafted with inlaid woods, with the head and shaft made out of Hawaiian Koa wood. The light inlaid wood is Yellow Fir from Canada, and the dark inlays are Desert Ironwood collected by Professor Helmkamp throughout Southern California. The mace has ornaments at the top and the base. The base is in the shape of a citrus fruit, representing UCR's Citrus Experiment Station. The top ornament is the bear of the State of California. Seals of California and the University are mounted on opposite sides of the mace's head. Below the seals are the mottos of California and the University, respectively, along with the years 1850 (the year California was admitted in to the Union), and 1868 (the year the University of California was founded).
UC Riverside Alma Mater
Professor of Music Byron Adams joined the UCR faculty in 1987 and was dismayed to discover that the university did not have a school song. To promote school spirit and engender institutional pride, Adams held an informal competition for the text of the song and selected the verses written by the late Bob Wild, a beloved physics professor. He then set forth to create "Hail Fair UCR".
"I sat down one beautiful winter afternoon and, inspired by the hills surrounding the university, the bell tower and the orange groves, composed Hail Fair UCR," he said. "It is meant to be sung in full - every word and every note - at Commencement and other solemn, and not so solemn, university events."
A Look Back
Relive the pageantry and excitement of UCR’s Commencement ceremonies. Watch videos of the keynote and student speakers from each of the ceremonies as well as the remarks from our Chancellor and Deans of the Colleges.
Commencement 2020 Online Celebrations
Advanced Degree Graduates and Teacher Credential Online Celebration
Bachelor's Degree Graduates Online Celebration
2019
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 65th Commencement exercises, May 31-June 1 and June 14-17, 2019.
2018
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 64th Commencement exercises, June 1 and June 15 - 19, 2018.
2017
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 63rd Commencement exercises, June 9 and June 16–19, 2017.
2016
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 62nd Commencement exercises, June 10–13, 2016.
2015
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 61st Commencement exercises, June 12–15, 2015.
2014
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 60th Commencement exercises, June 13–16, 2014.
2013
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 59th Commencement exercises, June 14–17, 2013.
2012
Watch the ceremonies and view photos from UCR's 58th Commencement exercises, June 15–18, 2012.
2011
Watch the ceremonies and view photos from UCR's 57th Commencement exercises, June 10–13, 2011.
2010
Watch the ceremonies from UCR's 56th Commencement exercises, June 11-14, 2010
2023 Commencement FAQs
This FAQ page will continue to be updated with additional details and information as important Commencement deadlines approach. Please feel free to check back periodically and stay updated!
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Q: When is Commencement 2023 taking place?
A: Ceremonies for Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates are scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 - Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Toyota Arena. Juneteenth, Monday, June 19, will be observed as a federal holiday.
The School of Medicine Hippocratic Oath Ceremony for M.D. degree recipients and Graduate Division Hooding Ceremony for Ph.D. and M.F.A. degree candidates are scheduled for Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Student Recreation Center.
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Q: When is my School/College ceremony scheduled for?
A: The 2023 Commencement schedule is posted on this website here. Please save the date and share your ceremony date with your family and loved ones to allow ample time to plan their attendance!
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Q: Where is Toyota Arena?
A: Toyota Arena is located in Ontario, CA at 4000 Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764.
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Q: Why is Commencement taking place at Toyota Arena?
A: In response to feedback regarding the overall Commencement experience for graduates and their guests, UC Riverside is enhancing the Commencement experience. Toyota Arena provides an indoor, air-conditioned venue with increased seating capacity and improved sightlines and security.
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Q: Are similar events held at Toyota Arena?
A: Yes. Toyota Arena has hosted many Commencement ceremonies at the venue. Please note, "Door Times" and "Parking" information on the Toyota Arena website varies by school. UC Riverside plans on opening gates 90 minutes prior to your ceremony start time.
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Q: How many tickets will each graduate receive for their ceremony?
A: A guaranteed minimum of 8 complimentary tickets will be offered to each graduate, which matches or exceeds guest tickets for the on-campus ceremonies. Based on preliminary estimates, guest tickets will range from 8 to 10 tickets per graduate depending on the college and/or school program.
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Q: Will parking be complimentary for graduating students?
A: Pricing information on parking for family and guests will be updated here once confirmed. Toyota Arena's current parking rate is $12 - $14 and varies by event.
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Q: Will there be opportunities to volunteer at the ceremonies?
A: Yes, Commencement staffing opportunities for UC Riverside faculty, staff, and alumni will be available. In 2022, more than 400 people volunteered to staff and support the Commencement ceremonies. More information about the registration process to staff Commencement will be provided a few months prior to the ceremonies.
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Q: Does UC Riverside provide invitation letter for visas?
A: UC Riverside does not provide invitation letters for visas. Students who are graduating from UC Riverside and need a Commencement invitation letter for visiting family members from overseas should follow the instructions here.
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Q: Will the University Honors, ASP, and CSP Celebrations still be held on campus?
A: Yes, these celebrations will continue to be held on campus at the Student Recreation Center the same weekend as the School of Medicine and Graduate Division Hooding ceremonies. Dates and times for the celebrations will be added here once confirmed.