Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Commencement 2024 taking place?

Ceremonies for Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates are scheduled for Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Toyota Arena.

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, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Student Recreation Center.

Please see the complete Schedule of Ceremonies here.

When is my School/College ceremony scheduled for?

The 2024 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!

Where is Toyota Arena?

Toyota Arena is located in Ontario, CA at 4000 Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764.

How many tickets will each graduate receive for their ceremony?

Maximum guest ticket counts for each ceremony are calculated based on the estimated number of participating graduates and the maximum capacity of Toyota Arena. Please check your ceremony page on the Commencement schedule for the maximum number of guest tickets available per graduate for your respective ceremony. You can check your ceremony page by clicking the hyperlink to your ceremony on the Commencement schedule.

Please plan accordingly based on the maximum number tickets available for your ceremony as additional ticket requests may not be considered.

When can I claim my Toyota Arena guest tickets and Graduate Parking Pass?

Only registered graduates who submit their Intent to Participate by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 be given access to order their electronic guest tickets via Ticketmaster the week of June 3. Registered graduates will receive an e-mail with further information on ticket ordering after the May 24 deadline.

It is important to submit your Intent to Participate by Friday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. to ensure that you can order the maximum number of tickets for your ceremony. Maximum tickets per graduate are determined by ceremony based on the number of eligible graduates and the capacity of Toyota Arena. 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 Friday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. are guaranteed the maximum number of tickets for their ceremony. If your Intent to Participate form is submitted after the deadline, you will not be able to order the maximum number of tickets for your specific ceremony.

Will guests be assigned a seat on their Toyota Arena ticket?

No, guests will not be assigned a specific seat on their Toyota Arena ticket. Toyota Arena tickets guarantee entry and seating for one guest per ticket. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are required for entrance to all UCR Commencement ceremonies and may only be scanned once for admittance. Children under 2 do not need a ticket but will need to remain on a parent's lap for the duration of the ceremony.

Will Toyota Arena parking be complimentary for graduation students?

Yes, registered graduates will receive one complimentary Graduate Parking Pass for the designated graduate parking lot at Toyota Arena. This parking pass is valid for GRADUATES ONLY and will be verified by a parking attendant at Toyota Arena.

Registered graduates will claim their one complimentary Graduate Parking Pass via Ticketmaster when they claim their guest tickets.

NOTE: The Complimentary parking pass is only valid for the ceremony you will be participating in and will not be accepted by Toyota Arena if you are attending a different ceremony as a guest.

How much is parking for guests attending Commencement at Toyota Arena?

The parking fee for guests is $15 per vehicle so please consider carpooling. Please note, Toyota Arena parking attendants accept major credit cards; MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover. Cash will not be accepted.

Disabled parking spaces are available in each parking lot. For more information on parking, please visit the Toyota Arena parking guide.

What are the Toyota Arena Rules, Policies, and Information for 2024 Graduations?

For more information on the Toyota Arena Rules, Policies, and Information for 2024 Graduation, please click here.

What items are prohibited at Toyota Arena?

To ensure efficient entrance into the venue, visit the Toyota Arena website for venue policies and prohibited items.

What is the level of security at the Commencement ceremonies?

All UC Riverside Commencement ceremonies will have enhanced security. This includes metal detectors and bag checks at all entrances, additional security staff, and coordination between UCPD and other partner agencies. We are looking forward to celebrating our graduates in a safe and comfortable environment.

How can I request accessibility accommodations at Toyota Arena?

Find accessibility details on the Toyota Arena website. For ADA requests and inquires please reach out to the Toyota Arena Guest Services Manager, Josh Salcedo: JSalcedo@toyota-arena.com.

Will there be opportunities to volunteer at Commencement ceremonies?

Yes, Commencement staffing opportunities for UC Riverside faculty, staff, and alumni will be available. In 2023, more than 300 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.

Does UC Riverside provide invitation letters for visas?

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.

Will the AAPI, University Honors, ASP, and CSP Celebrations still be held on campus?

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.