FAQ
For Questions about commencement parking, accessibility and accommodations, etc, please see the information provided in the Campus FAQ
For information specific to our UCLA Samueli ceremonies on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, please check for updates as we continue to add information!
In accordance with UCLA and Los Angeles County COVID-19 protocols, please read below the following frequently asked questions and answers.
GENERAL INFO
How do I write a letter in support of my guests’ visa application?
Per the Dashew International Center, invitation letters are not required for visas, however you may use the linked template to write your own invitation support letter if you would still like one.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
What are the COVID-19 protocols?
Do I need to wear a mask at UCLA commencement?
In response to a consistent rise in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County and on the UCLA campus, beginning Friday, May 27 the University reinstated a universal indoor masking policy for all students, staff, faculty, affiliates and visitors to the UCLA campus regardless of vaccination status. This requirement applies to, and will be enforced at, all indoor 2022 commencement ceremonies. It will also apply to guests and graduates temporarily going indoors to utilize University facilities or shop at campus retail establishments.
The below masking exceptions at indoor UCLA commencement ceremonies are permitted:
- Commencement speakers may remove their masks to deliver their graduation addresses.
- Graduates may momentarily remove their masks while walking across the stage and while being photographed on or adjacent to the stage.
In addition to the above ceremony exceptions, those dining indoors at campus restaurants may remove their masks while eating or drinking. However, outdoor dining and to-go options are strongly encouraged.
A complete list of all current campus protocols addressing COVID-19 prevention, vaccines, testing, exposure management and isolation/quarantine can be viewed on the UCLA COVID-19 website.
I am a commencement guest. Do I need to be vaccinated or tested to attend commencement at UCLA? Will tests be available on site?
Currently, guests do not need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to come to campus or enter a commencement venue.
As a precautionary accommodation for visiting guests who are concerned about potential exposure during travel, UCLA will have rapid antigen tests available at Bruin Plaza and the Dickson Plaza Flagpole. These tests will be provided free of charge and be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Anyone testing positive must not attend these events and must follow isolation rules.
I am a graduate. Do I need to be vaccinated or tested to attend commencement at UCLA?
All graduates must be in compliance with the UC Systemwide COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and must test in accordance with the ongoing UCLA surveillance testing program and receive a negative result prior to their ceremony.
More information on the established Spring Quarter COVID requirements for faculty, staff and students can be found on the UCLA COVID-19 resources website.
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
Anyone who is symptomatic must not attend commencement events.
UCLA students, faculty, and staff must complete the campus daily symptom monitoring survey prior to arriving on campus.
What if I am traveling to UCLA from out of state?
Those who plan to attend should stay informed about the California Department of Public Health’s and LA County Department of Public Health’s most recent guidelines.
What happens if Los Angeles County moves back into more restrictive COVID-19 tiers between now and commencement weekend?
The situation with the pandemic is fluid. If Los Angeles County moves back into more restrictive tiers, the State and County guidelines could introduce new requirements for the events to be held. Information on protocol updates will be communicated to guests by email or other appropriate mechanism.
I am a recent graduate and am not part of the campus surveillance program, do I need to get tested in order to attend the ceremony?
PRE-CEREMONY LINE-UP
When and where do I line up?
WHERE: The Los Angeles Tennis Center (LATC) enter via GATE B, across from Drake Stadium on Bruin Walk
WHEN: No later than 1 Hour before your ceremony start.
- 11:30 for the BS Ceremony on Saturday, June 11th
- 12:30 for the PhD, MS, and MEngr Ceremony on Sunday, June 12th.
What do I need to have with me on the day of the commencement?
- STUDENT TICKET (REQUIRED) – on your phone is perfect.
- CAP AND GOWN (REQUIRED) – Make sure you are dressed in your cap and gown and that you are appropriately dressed beneath that.
- PHOTO ID (REQUIRED)- Make sure you bring your UCLA BRUIN CARD OR Government Issued Photo ID
- NAME CARD/PHOTO CARD – see ceremony details for why you need this. If you forget, we will have extras available for you, but it will save time if you bring it pre-filled out.
Bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and other large items are not allowed at the lineup. Please arrange to leave these with your guests, or leave them in a secure location to retrieve after the ceremony. Additionally, we ask that you abide by the following Pauley Pavillion restricted items.
Pauley Ushers, Security, and Staff will be on alert. and have been advised to remove such items from you. In order to ensure your safety and the safety of others, any individual whose behavior becomes potentially harmful or interferes with the Ceremony may be required to leave the Ceremony.
CEREMONY INFO
When will my name be called?
Students will be processing and walking across the stage by degree (PhD, MS, BS). This means 2 things.
- If you want to graduate with your friends and they are in all different majors, you can! There will be multiple lines processing into Pauley Pavillion; just enter the same line together for your best chance at sitting together and crossing the stage at a similar time.
- You may need to give your guests a heads up when your turn is coming up. When the usher or student marshal gives you the signal, follow their directions to get into the line to cross the stage. Once there, that is the perfect time to signal your guests!
How can I make sure my name is called and pronounced correctly? (NAME/PHOTO CARD)
You will be filling out a two sided Name/Photo Card that you will take with you to the stage.
- SIDE ONE is your Name Card. This is what the announcer will read as you cross the stage. There are 2 lines. You will Print Your Name AND Print a Phonetic spelling of your name; tip: Have a stranger read it, did they pronounce your name correctly?
- SIDE TWO is your Photo card. You are not obligated to purchase photos, but please fill this side out as well so we can better track your photo and position in the line.
How do I know if my name will be called at the ceremony?
Only Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 Graduating Students are printed in the program brochure. Students outside this range that have been approved to participate in their respective ceremony WILL have their name called as they cross the stage.
Again, ALL STUDENTS that are participating in the ceremony will have their name called at the ceremony they attend regardless of which program they are printed in.
How long is the ceremony?
Students who elect to participate in commencement agree to remain for the full length of the ceremony out of respect for your fellow students and their families.
Undergraduates (BS) – Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2.5-3 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
All students participating will have their names read, will cross the stage, and have photos taken by Grad Images (the official campus photo team)
Graduates (MS/MENG/PHD) – Sunday, June 18, 2023 1:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
All students participating will have their names read, will cross the stage, and have photos taken by Grad Images (the official campus photo team)
Additionally, PHD students will be hooded on stage.
