Commencement 2018
Commencement Checklist
The commencement checklist provides a rough outline of the actions a student must take, in advance, in order to attend and participate in the commencement ceremony.
Commencement is not the same thing as graduation. Graduation is the official acknowledgment that a student’s course of study is complete and, with that, a degree conferred. Commencement is the celebration that graduation has, or will soon occur.
More information about graduation
Commencement Ceremonies
Thursday, June 14
| Ceremony | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Division of Graduate Studies | 4:00 PM | Quarry |
Saturday, June 16
| Ceremony | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Porter College | 9:00 AM | East Field |
| Oakes College | 10:30 AM | Quarry |
| Cowell College | 12:30 PM | East Field |
| Rachel Carson College | 2:00 PM | Quarry |
| Kresge College | 4:00 PM | East Field |
| Merrill College | 5:30 PM | Quarry |
Sunday, June 17
| Ceremony | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Crown College | 9:00 AM | East Field |
| College Nine | 10:30 AM | Quarry |
| Stevenson College | 12:30 PM | East Field |
| College Ten | 2:00 PM | Quarry |
Other commencement celebrations
Friday, June 8
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 2:00 PM | Sociology | Rachel Carson College: Red Room |
| 3:30 PM | Global Engagement | Namaste Lounge |
Wednesday, June 13
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 2:00pm | Women's Center | Granary |
Thursday, June 14
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 2:00 PM | GLBT Rainbow | Merrill Provost House |
| 1:00 PM | Literature and Creative Writing Program | Humanities 1, 210 |
| 4:00 PM | Latin American and Latino Studies | Viva's Restaurant, Merrill College |
| 4:00 PM | Music Department | Music Center Recital Hall |
| 4:00 PM | American Indian Year End Ceremony | UCSC Barn |
| 7:30 PM | Film & Digital Showing | Media Theater |
Friday, June 15
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 9:00 AM | Anthropology | UCSC Arboretum |
| 10:00 AM | Environmental Studies | UCSC Life Lab (farm) amphitheatre |
| 10:00 AM | History | Stevenson Event Center |
| 11:00 AM | Psychology Department | Media Theater |
| 11:00 AM | Film and Digital Media | Communications Building Courtyard |
| 11:00 AM | Linguistics | Stevenson Fireside Lounge |
| 11:30 AM | Feminist Studies | Humanities 1, 210 |
| 12:00 PM | Community Studies | Oakes Learning Center |
| 12:00 PM | History of Art and Visual Culture | Porter Koi Pond |
| 1:30 PM | Politics and Legal Studies | Merrill Provost House |
| 2:00 PM | Asian American and Pacific Islander | Music Recital Hall |
| 3:00 PM | PBSci Physics Department | Earth and Marine Science, B206 |
| 5:00 PM | Engineering | East Field |
| 6:30 PM | Black Grad | Quarry |
| 7:00 PM | Theater Arts Department | Mainstage Theater |
Saturday, June 16
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 3:00 PM | Earth & Planetary Sciences | Earth and Marine Science, B206 |
Sunday, June 17
| Time | Event | Ceremony Location |
| 4:00 PM | Chicano/Latino | East Field |
Check with your department or organization to find out about additional graduation celebrations.
Transportation, Parking, and Accessibility Information
Each graduating student is provided only two parking passes for a total of two cars per graduate to park in the designated lot.
Commencement transportation and parking information
Resources and Amenities
Commencement sites have a Programs & Information tent, a Disability Support tent, and a First Aid tent. Drinking water is provided free of charge. UCSC Catering offers light refreshments for purchase (cash preferred). Restrooms are available in close proximity to the commencement seating areas.
Clothing Recommendations for Guests / Sun Protection
Weather on the UC Santa Cruz campus can change dramatically in a very brief span of time. A chilly, foggy morning may quickly change to a hot, sun-filled day. While rain is unlikely in June, there have been commencements that have experienced unexpected rain — so check on weather predictions and dress accordingly. For these reasons, it is advised that guests dress in layers that can be easily put on or taken off as temperatures change over the course of the day.
Most importantly, flat, comfortable shoes, rather than heels, are recommended due to the soft lawns upon which the commencement ceremonies are held and the terrain of campus. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.
The UC Santa Cruz campus is deeply committed to sustainability. You are invited to bring a refillable water bottle – one that you will take with you at the end of your time on campus. Complimentary water stations will be available at the commencement sites. The campus prefers that plastic, disposable water bottles not be brought to campus.
What NOT to bring to commencement
Pets
ADA Service animals are the only animals visitors may bring to campus. Pets are not allowed on campus grounds nor can they remain in vehicles for the duration of a commencement ceremony. You will be turned away from campus if you arrive with a pet. There are many kennels, animal day care operations and similar in Santa Cruz.
Drones
Drones are not permitted during commencement ceremonies.
No Smoking
All UC campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, e‑cigarettes and other nicotine products are strictly prohibited. This policy will be strictly enforced.
No Confetti, No Noise-makers
Confetti, loud noise-makers, and other items that produce litter or disruptive noise are not permitted.
Single-Use Water Bottles
UCSC strongly supports sustainability efforts. It is greatly appreciated if you bring a reusable water container instead of disposable plastic bottles.
UCSC Memorabilia
The Bay Tree Bookstore will sell souvenirs and flowers at the commencement sites. The Bookstore offers opportunities to purchase class rings, books, and many items to remember this special day.
Once a Slug, Always a Slug
The Banana Slug Network does not end after graduation, it is a life long community. Young alumni & recent graduates make up more than half of our entire UC Santa Cruz alumni population (a total of over 100,000 alumni). Stay connected, find out more regarding the perks of being a Banana Slug Alum, and be a volunteer to help shape our growing alumni program.
Lodging and Restaurants
The Santa Cruz area offers a wide range of guest accommodations and restaurants. Given the thousands of commencement visitors please plan ahead and make your reservations early, as accommodations and dining reservations are in short supply during this busy commencement week.
