General Information for All Degree Candidates
Eligibility
Any student who received a degree in September 2007, December 2007 or March 2008, or who expects to receive a degree in June 2008, and who has not already participated in the December 2007 commencement ceremony, is eligible and welcome to participate in commencement ceremonies. Your registration for each ceremony by the deadline will ensure that your name appears in the commencement program.
If you will graduate in September 2008, and you have completed the units required by your college or school by the end of winter quarter, you need to file on-line to participate in the ceremonies through your college. You still must file a graduation application on-line for the term in which you will graduate during the appropriate filing periods.
While students graduating in September may participate in the June commencement, you are encouraged to participate in the Fall (December) undergraduate commencement, closer to the completion of your studies. Typically a smaller ceremony, the Fall commencement allows for students to invite more guests.
All students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Letters and Science and the College of Engineering must also register online with their college to participate in commencement ceremonies. See Registering to Participate in this section.
Top of pageAcademic Dress
Cap and Gown Rental
Graduates must wear appropriate apparel in order to participate in commencement ceremonies. Academic apparel is rented from the UC Davis Bookstore. Gown rental includes the cap and tassel, and is free with purchase of a Grad Pack. Gowns and Packs may be reserved in advance either online or during the Spring Grad Faire. Rental pricing is based on date of order, with prices increasing as the ceremony date draws closer.
Online Reservation:
- BA, BS, MA, MFA, MS, and Ph.D. candidates: Online Reservation is available from March 1, 2008 through June 2, 2008. All gowns must be picked up on the dates designated below to avoid additional fees. A late fee will be charged for reserved orders picked up after the pickup event. Please visit the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for more details and to access the Online Reservation System.
- JD, MD, DVM, and MBA candidates: Different deadlines and pickup arrangements apply. Please refer to instructions to be sent by your college. (Veterinary Medicine graduates: see the Veterinary Medicine commencement handbook)
Grad Faire - Spring 2008:
- April 18, 2008 - Freeborn Plaza
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gown and Pack Pickup:
- June 4th – 6th: Freeborn Hall
- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Pre-order pickup ONLY
- Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - General rental and pickup
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - General rental and pickup
- Please note: Normal pickup at Freeborn will end at 3 p.m.
- Late Pickup will begin on Saturday, June 7th at the bookstore, during normal open hours.
Gown Rental Fees:
| Gown Rental Fees: | Online Early-Bird thru Grad Faire Mar 1 – Apr 18 |
Online orders after Grad Faire Apr 19 – Jun 2 |
If paid during Gown Pickup Jun 4 –6 |
Late Rental/Pickup at the Bookstore After June 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's cap, gown and tassel | $30.00 | $35.00 | 40.00 | 50.00 |
| Master's cap, gown and tassel | $30.00 | $35.00 | 40.00 | 50.00 |
| Doctor's cap, gown and tassel | $35.00 | $40.00 | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Hood rental (Master and Ph.D.) | $20.00 | $20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Commencement Tassel alone | $5.00 + tax | $5.00 + tax | same | same |
| Commencement Cap alone | $10.00 + tax | $10.00 + tax | same | same |
| Late Pickup Fee for all reserved orders: | 10.00 |
NOTE: Gown rental is FREE if purchasing a Souvenir Grad Pack.
See the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for details and pack pricing.
Returning Caps and Gowns
Gowns must be returned immediately following your commencement ceremony. The gown collection station will be located either at the ceremony site or designated reception site following the ceremony.
Late Fee: Gowns not returned either at the ceremony or to the UC Davis Bookstore by the first Monday following the ceremony will be assessed a daily late charge beginning the following Tuesday.
Purchase of Regalia
The UC Davis Bookstore offers commencement apparel for sale to master's and doctoral students and faculty. See the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for pricing and information, or e-mail questions to the Bookstore's Commencement Coordinator.
Wearing Academic Dress
The cap is worn with the long point of the shell to the rear. Undergraduates who have not yet received a degree wear the tassel forward and to the right. After the degree is awarded, the tassel is shifted to the left. Those receiving postgraduate degrees wear their tassel to the left, signifying the possession of an academic degree.
It is customary for those wishing to demonstrate respect for their country to remove their caps during the national anthem or when the U.S. flag is passing. Lightweight clothing is usually worn under the gown. Coats are not necessary for men, but a shirt and tie improve the appearance of the gown.
The bachelor's gown has pointed sleeves and at UC Davis is worn without a hood.
The master's gown is designed with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square-cut and the front part has an arc cut away. The gown may be worn open or closed.
The doctor's gown has velvet facings on its front panels and three velvet chevrons on each sleeve. The University of California authorizes recipients of the Ph.D. degree earned on any of its campuses to wear an academic gown of admiral blue.
The hood worn by those receiving masters and doctoral degrees hangs to the rear from the neck and is fastened to shirt buttons by an elastic cord. To avoid wearing the hood inside out, make sure that the velvet facing of the hood is visible under the chin and lies flat over the shoulders.
Candidates for graduate certificates and credentials wear the cap, gown and hood of the highest degree they hold.
Class Rings
Class rings are available throughout the academic year at the UC Davis Bookstore. Please see the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for information and sales dates.
Graduation Announcements
Official UC Davis graduation announcements may be purchased at the UC Davis Bookstore Web site. For personalized announcements, please allow one week for shipment.
Senior Portraits
Portrait photography is available through a local photographer contracted by the UC Davis Bookstore. For on-campus sitting dates and package pricing, please visit the UC Davis Bookstore Web site.
Admission to the Ceremonies
UC Davis students, faculty, family and friends of graduates are welcome to attend commencement ceremonies as space allows. Admission tickets are required for all ceremonies. Individual colleges and schools will provide information about ticket distribution to their students. There is no charge for tickets to commencement ceremonies; university policy prohibits the selling of commencement tickets for money or commercial value, and violations will result in referral to Student Judicial Affairs.
Alcoholic Beverages
University policy prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages at commencement ceremonies.
Awards
The University Medal and college and school medals are presented at the individual ceremony at which the recipient is receiving a degree.
The University Medal is the highest university award given to a student completing his or her undergraduate work. This gold medal is awarded to the outstanding graduating senior on each campus in recognition of scholastic excellence as well as superior achievement in all areas of university life.
The college and school medals are the highest campus awards presented at UC Davis. These silver medals are presented to the graduating senior in each college or school who is judged outstanding in terms of scholastic excellence and all-around achievement.
In addition to these awards, each school and college has its own prizes and awards presented at its commencement ceremony.
Commencement Programs
Each college and school issues a commencement program, listing:
- Names of students who registered through their college website by indicated deadline.
- Names of graduate students who have indicated they expect to complete degree requirements in June 2008, provided the Office of Graduate Studies has this information by April 28, 2007.
- Candidates who cannot attend commencement may obtain copies of their college or school commencement program by contacting their dean’s office.
Conduct During Commencement Ceremonies
Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your achievement. It is also a time to reflect on that achievement and to acknowledge the help and support provided by family, friends, faculty and staff. You are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of your guests and the guests of others, of your fellow graduates and of yourself. Violations of this policy will result in your being removed from the hall and denied permission to participate further in the ceremony. Thank you for your help in making this day meaningful to all.
Diplomas
(Veterinary Medicine graduates:
see the Veterinary Medicine commencement handbook
You may have your diploma mailed to you when it is ready, four months after the end of the quarter in which you completed your degree requirements. When you file online to graduate with the Office of the University Registrar, your account can be billed for the mailing fee of $5.50 within the U.S. or $14.00 outside the U.S.
If you choose not to have it mailed, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at (530) 752-3639, before visiting us in 12 Mrak, to ensure the diploma is ready. Remember, they take a minimum of four months to prepare. We will hold the diploma for pick-up for three years. If you don't pick up the diploma within three years of graduation, you may request a "re-issued" diploma, which will cost $27.50 and bear current gubernatorial, chancellor and dean's signatures.
Food and Refreshments
Center Court Café at the ARC
Featuring Starbucks, conveniently located next to the Pavilion, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Open before, during and after all commencement ceremonies for your convenience.
Silo Union Food Service
(Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr., Brenan’s, featuring Starbucks, SubCity, Grab-N-Go and BioBrew), Monday through Thursday, 7:15 a.m.–7 p.m. (Carl's Junior open until 8 p.m.)
Silo Cafe & Pub
Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Med. Sci. Café and Genome Fresh Express
Located in the Health Sciences District, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Graduation Announcements
The UC Davis Bookstore sells official UC Davis commencement announcements, blank notes, thank-you notes, envelope seals and certificates of appreciation. For personalized announcements, please allow one week for shipment. Personalized announcements may be purchased via the UC Davis Bookstore Web site. If you have questions, or for more information, please e-mail the Bookstore's Commencement Coordinator.
Guests
See Admission, Information and Assistance or Special Accomodations.
Information and Assistance
The Information Desk in the Memorial Union will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Visitor Information Kiosk on Old Davis Road will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Maps will be available from a literature rack outside the kiosk. Parking directions to each commencement will be provided on maps.
The Walter A. Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
To make special accommodations for graduates or guests at commencement ceremonies, see Special Accommodations.
Parking
Parking is free in designated areas for those attending the activities. Directional signs reading "Commencement Parking" are placed at all entrances to the campus. A portion of Lot #25 is reserved for vehicles displaying disabled person placards or plates. See the map for convenient parking areas.
Registering to Participate in Commencement
All students must confirm their intent to participate in commencement by registering online no later than April 11, 2008. To register, visit the following Web sites:
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Letters and Science
- College of Biological Sciences
- Graduate Studies
Students in Graduate Studies should confirm their participation by April 18, 2007.
Photographs
Individual photographs of the candidates as they cross the stage will be taken by a professional photographer at all commencement ceremonies. Family and friends wishing to take photographs of candidates are asked to do so either before or after ceremonies. This will help alleviate congestion around the stage during the ceremonies.
Commencement photograph order forms will be available at the ceremony or from college and school deans’ offices.
On-campus sittings for Senior Portraits are also available. Please see the UC Davis Bookstore Web site for more information.
Special Accommodations
Each school and college can offer special seating arrangements for candidates with mobility problems and arrange for sign language interpretation for those with hearing impairments. Please write or call your dean’s office as far in advance as possible to explain your needs.
Special accommodations for guests with mobility problems include shuttle service to and from parking lots for Friday, Saturday and Sunday ceremonies, a tent outside ARC Pavilion where elderly and disabled guests may sit while waiting for ARC Pavilion to open, and a special assistance entrance within closer walking distance that allows the elderly and those with disabilities to enter ARC Pavilion accompanied by one other member of their party. Four disabled seating sections are available for guests who use a wheelchair (who may be accompanied by one other member of their party), and headsets for the hearing impaired are available at no charge from the Equipment Room in ARC Pavilion.