Commencement 2020

Welcome to the official Website for UC Riverside's 66th Commencement to be held May 29 - 30 and June 12 - 15, 2020.

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. Additional details will be posted to this site as they become available, so please check back periodically and stay updated!

Getting Started

Step 1: Confirm that you are eligible to graduate.

Students who expect to graduate Fall 2019, Winter 2020 or Spring 2020 are eligible to participate in Commencement 2020. Students who expect to graduate Summer 2020 are not automatically eligible to participate but may do so if the early deadlines and requirement are met.
Step 2: Check out our graduation checklists to make sure you are on track with the graduation application deadlines and requirements.

Check out our graduation checklists to make sure you are on track with the graduation application deadlines and requirements.

Undergraduate students must submit a two-step graduation application, starting with the R'Web graduation application process then the College graduation application. Make sure to complete both applications to complete the application process.

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.
Step 3: Submit your Intent to Participate when the e-mail is sent to eligible students starting April 16, 2020.

The Intent to Participate form confirms that you will be participating in Commencement 2020. It is important to submit your Intent to Participate by Monday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. to ensure that you can order the maximum number of tickets for your ceremony and that your name be printed in the commemorative Commencement book.
Step 4: Order your guest tickets starting May 13, 2020.

Starting May 13, 2020, you can log in to Marching Order with the same login information as the Intent to Participate form to order your guest tickets. Please note that the maximum number of tickets available vary by ceremony and ticket ordering is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Each student is guaranteed the maximum number of tickets for their specific ceremony.

Please note, the exact number of maximum tickets for each ceremony will be announced in early May.
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
Tickets
Information for Guests
Tradition & Symbols
A Look Back

Schedule of Ceremonies

Friday, May 29, 2020

6:00 p.m. School of Medicine - Commencement / Hippocratic Oath Ceremony
M.D. degree recipients
Location: Student Recreation Center North, main gymnasium

Saturday, May 30, 2020

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

Friday, June 12, 2020

6:00 p.m. School of Business
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates
Location: Pierce Lawn

Saturday, June 13, 2020

8:00 a.m. College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates
Location: Pierce Lawn

6:00 p.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Group 1
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates in the departments of Anthropology, Economics, History and Political Science
Location: Pierce Lawn

Sunday, June 14, 2020

8:00 a.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Group 2
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates in the departments of Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages, Creative Writing, Dance, English, Ethnic Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Global Studies, Hispanic Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Latin American Studies, Liberal Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Middle East and Islamic Studies, Music, Religious Studies, Theatre, Film & Digital Production
Location: Pierce Lawn

6:00 p.m. College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Group 3
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates in the departments of Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology
Location: Pierce Lawn

Monday, June 15, 2020

9:00 a.m. Graduate School of Education and School of Public Policy
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates and Teacher Credential candidates
Location: Pierce Lawn

6:00 p.m. Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering
Master's and Bachelor’s degree candidates
Location: Pierce Lawn

Tickets

2020 Commencement Ticket Information

To ensure adequate seating all ceremonies will be ticketed. All guests attending must have a ticket for entry. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Children 2 and under do not need a ticket but will need to remain on a parent's lap for the duration of the ceremony.

The actual number of guest tickets available to each candidate will depend upon the number of candidates attending each ceremony. Please visit your ceremony webpage for information specific to your ceremony.

UCR Commencement tickets are the property of the University and are issued to participating graduates at no charge. The sale, purchase, or duplication of Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited.

Ordering Tickets

If you file your graduation application on time (see your checklist for deadlines) and are approved by your College/School or the Graduate Division to participate at Commencement, you may register for Commencement online via the Intent to Participate form. A link to the Intent to Participate form and login instructions will be emailed to eligible students starting Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Starting May 13, 2020, please log back into Marching Order to order your guest tickets. Please note that the maximum number of tickets available vary by ceremony and ticket ordering is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Each student is guaranteed the maximum number of tickets for their specific ceremony.

Once you submit your ticket order, you will be given the option to either print or electronically distribute your tickets via email. Each ticket will have a unique barcode and may only be scanned once for admittance. Duplicate tickets will be denied entrance.

Commencement Ticket Distribution

When you order your UCR Commencement tickets, you will be given the option to either print or electronically distribute your tickets via email. Each ticket will have a unique barcode and may only be scanned once for admittance. Duplicate tickets will be denied entrance.

Additional Tickets

Information regarding the availability of additional tickets will be announced via e-mail on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Information for Guests

Directions and Parking

Directions

UC Riverside is located near the convergence of the 91-60-215 freeways in the city of Riverside.

Parking

Student Recreation Center Ceremonies (May 29 - May 30, 2020): Parking information will be available in Winter Quarter. Parking for Commencement ceremonies is complimentary, and parking permits are not required.

Pierce Lawn Ceremonies (June 12 - June 15, 2020): Parking information will be available in Winter Quarter. Parking for Commencement ceremonies is complimentary, and parking permits are not required.

Seating and Protocol

Tickets and Seating

Tickets are required for entrance to all UCR Commencement ceremonies. Please see the Tickets page for more information. Seating for all ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Indoor Simulcast & Live Webcast

Guests who are sensitive to heat and sun may view the ceremony in University Lecture Hall or Watkins 1000 for the Pierce Lawn ceremonies. These lecture halls have climate-control and will show a live video-feed of the ceremony on a large screen. No tickets are required for entrance into these locations.

In addition, each of UCR's Commencement ceremonies will be webcast live. Links to each ceremony's webcast will be provided on the Commencement home page.

Provisions for Guests with Disabilities

Student Recreation Center Ceremonies (May 29 - May 30, 2020): Parking information for guests who require mobility assistance will be available in Winter Quarter. Shuttles will be available to transport these guests to and from the Commencement venue.
Pierce Lawn Ceremonies (June 12 - June 15, 2020): Parking information for guests who require mobility assistance will be available in Winter Quarter. Shuttles will be available to transport these guests to and from the Commencement venue.
The university does not provide wheelchairs. If you or a family member attending needs the assistance of a wheelchair, we urge you to use your own or rent one to bring to campus for the day.
An American Sign Language interpreter will be present at each ceremony.
If you are an individual with a disability, or you are inviting a guest who needs special assistance, and have additional questions about Commencement, please email the Commencement office or call (951) 827-3144.

Audience Courtesy

UCR is very proud of the accomplishments of each and every student, so we want the ceremony to be a pleasant experience for everyone. This time-honored ritual includes traditional academic regalia and requires proper decorum. We ask you to respect the rights and feelings of other participants and guests by remaining in your seat until all of the graduates have been recognized and the ceremony has concluded. In consideration of the speakers, the graduates, and so that guests' views of the platform are not obstructed, no air horns, beach balls, balloons, signs of any size or other distracting objects will be allowed into the venue. Pagers and cell phones should be turned off or to silent mode during the ceremony. Please consider the safety of others and do not stand in or block the aisles or walkways of the venue.

Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on university property.

Overnight Accommodations

Many Riverside area hotels offer special rates to UCR visitors. Please inquire about receiving a UCR rate when you make your reservations. Visit the Riverside Convention Bureau web site for a list of area hotels.

For Your Safety

Although UC Riverside does not anticipate any security problems during Commencement, we will be taking special measures to ensure the safety of everyone who attends Commencement.

The following items are prohibited on campus:

Tobacco products
Alcohol
Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
Weapons of any kind including firearms and knives
Drones (UAS - Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or other model aircraft
Animals except for service dogs

Security will be screening at the venue.

These policies are subject to change without notice.

Gifts for your Graduate

Commemorative Commencement Book

A commemorative commencement book, listing the names of all of the graduates, may be purchased for $5.00 at each of the ceremonies. Participating graduates will receive one complimentary copy when they check-in for their ceremony.

The Class of 2020 T-shirt

Commencement T-shirts will be available for purchase before and after each ceremony.

Commencement Flowers

A flower vendor will be on-site at each of the ceremonies offering congratulatory flower bouquets and leis for purchase.

UCR Gear and Memorabilia

The UCR Campus Store will be open for Commencement and offers a wide selection of UCR gear, memorabilia and gift items. Store hours for Commencement weekend will be announced during Winter Quarter.

UCR Dining Hours

The UCR Dining hours for Commencement weekend will be available in Winter Quarter.

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 14^th 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."

Download a PDF of the music and lyrics of the alma mater.

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.

Celebrate UCR's 66th Commencement

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