Frequently Asked Questions (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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When is Commencement 2025 taking place?
Ceremonies for Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates are scheduled for Monday, June 16 and Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 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, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Student Recreation Center.
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When is my School/College ceremony scheduled for?
The 2025 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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Where is Toyota Arena?
Toyota Arena is located in Ontario, CA at 4000 Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764.
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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. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What are the Toyota Arena Rules, Policies, and Information for 2025 Graduations?
For more information on the Toyota Arena Rules, Policies, and Information for 2025 Commencement, please click here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Will there be opportunities to volunteer at Commencement ceremonies?
Yes, Commencement staffing opportunities for UC Riverside faculty, staff, and alumni will be available. More information about the registration process to staff Commencement will be provided a few months prior to the ceremonies.
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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.
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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.