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!

• 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.

  Please see the complete Schedule of Ceremonies here.

• 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!

• Q: Where is Toyota Arena?

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.