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!

• When is Commencement 2026 taking place?

  Ceremonies for Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates are scheduled for Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 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 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Student Recreation Center.

  A complete schedule of ceremonies will be posted in the January 2026.

• When is my School/College ceremony scheduled for?

  The 2026 complete Commencement schedule will be posted on this website in January 2026. Please save the date and share your ceremony date with your family and loved ones to allow ample time to plan their attendance!

• When is the Intent to Participate Form Deadline?

  The Commencement Office will send a link to eligible students to access the Intent to Participate form. The form will open Monday, April 13 and close Friday, May 17 at 5:00 p.m. for School of Medicine, Graduate Division, and Toyota Arena Ceremonies. Filling out the form by the deadline will ensure the following for students:

  • Order maximum number of guest tickets for specific ceremony
  • Option to select "Name to be displayed" when crossing the stage
  • Option to select "Name to be read" when crossing the stage
• 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. Students who submit their Intent to Participate form by the May 17th deadline can receive the maximum number of tickets. Ticket quantity will be selected via your Intent to Participate form, available April 14 - May 16.

• Where and when can I pick up guest tickets?

  The Commencement Office will distribute printed tickets to registered graduates who submit their Intent to Participate form by Friday, May 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.. Tickets will be distributed at the HUB in mid to late May. Please check back for dates. 

  After the distribution days, tickets can be picked up at your respective school/college. Please reach out to your school/college coordinator for questions.

• Where is Toyota Arena?

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

• 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 2026 Graduations?

  For more information on the Toyota Arena Rules, Policies, and Information for 2025 Commencement, 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. 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.