Venue Rules

Venue Rules, Guidelines, & Expectations for 2026 Graduations

What are the general expectations for graduates during Commencement?

Commencement is a shared celebration that honors the achievements of all graduates. To help ensure a respectful and positive experience for everyone, graduates are expected to follow guidelines set by Toyota Arena and UCR event staff, remain seated during the ceremony (unless directed otherwise), and stay for the full program.

Seating, Ticketing, Will Call

• All seating is general admission. There are no assigned guest seats.
• Guests must have a ticket to be admitted. There is no Re-Entry into the arena.
• Children ages 2 and above will require a ticket for entry.
• If a Graduate is unable to pick up tickets in person, they must register to pick up guest tickets at the Toyota Will Call Box Office.
  • Graduates must register for will call tickets through their respective school/college coordinator ahead of time. 
  • Tickets can be picked up starting 90 minutes before the graduate's ceremony start time, by one a designated guest. 

What is required for academic attire?

Graduates should wear the appropriate cap and gown for their degree level and ceremony. Graduate and doctoral students should also wear the appropriate hood. Only University-approved stoles, cords, caps and gowns may be worn. Graduates must wear approved, zipped-up gowns in order to cross the stage. 

Are cap decorations allowed?

Cap decorations are permitted if they are flat, non-obstructive, and appropriate for a formal academic ceremony. Decorations should not be distracting, distasteful, offensive or disruptive.

Can graduates express their culture or identity during Commencement?

Yes. UC Riverside values cultural expression. Graduates may wear university-approved stoles or cords that reflect their identity, as long as they reflect the celebration of a cultural or ethnic identity, are not offensive to another culture or identity, and align with academic attire and the tone of the ceremony.

ADA Information

• For Student Recreation Center Ceremonies please reach out to commencement@ucr.edu. 
• For Toyota Arena ADA requests and inquires please have students and guests reach out to our Guest Services: guestservices@toyota-arena.com

What safety measures are in place during Commencement?

Commencement ceremonies include security measures such as screening and coordination with campus and local security/law enforcement agencies. All participants are expected to follow instructions from safety personnel.

Are banners, flags, or signs allowed during the ceremony?

To maintain a consistent and respectful environment, banners, flags, signs, and other handheld items should not be brought into graduate seating areas or onto the stage. Items that obstruct views, disrupt the ceremony, or pose safety concerns may be removed.

Prohibited Items

• Please remind students and guests all venues prohibits outside gifts and items during these events. The following are not allowed inside the building, in the parking lots, or on the premises and if found will confiscated or asked to vacate the premises:
  • No flags
  • No Balloons
  • No Banners / Signs 
  • No Confetti Cannons
  • No Flowers
  • No Laser Pointers
  • No Noisemakers / Airhorns

  • No Selfie Sticks
  • No Sharpies / Markers
  • No Vendors
  • No Weapons of any kind
  • No animals unless registered service animals
  • Similar items to the above are not allowed within the building
• Guests will not be permitted to bring items previously listed inside the building and will be asked to check items at the booth (SRC) or return items to vehicle (Toyota).
• Any item purchased from external vendors are not affiliated with Toyota Arena.
• For more information on Toyota Arena Policies please visit their website.

Accepted Methods of Payment

We are a cashless venue for all parking and concessions. Cash will not be accepted.

Bag Policy

In accordance with safety and security guidelines, bags and purses will be limited in size. Clear bags are preferred, however, wallets, clutch single pocket purses, or bags must be small, no larger than 4 in. x 5 in.

• To accommodate our guests who require a purse/bag, including diaper bags and bags carrying items that are medical in nature, such as prescription medication, breast pumps, and other special medical equipment, will be permitted if they are within 16 in. x 16 in. x 8 in. All bags are subject to inspection.
• Guests who require entry with a purse/bag should arrive early to allow ample time to go through the additional security screening.

Leis

Students may be allowed to enter the premises with leis given to them prior to their arrival. We strongly discourage purchases of leis from non-authorized vendors on or around the premises. Guests will be restricted from bringing leis as gifts into the building. Guests attempting to bring in leis past security entry points will be directed to return the item to their vehicle.