Graduation Ceremony

Tickets are not needed by graduates and guests to attend. The stadium has ample seating for guests. We ask that graduates RSVP for the ceremony to give us a head count of how many to anticipate, but the RSVP is not required to attend.

Students participating in Commencement may not carry signs, banners, flags or anything on a pole so as to avoid obstructing views or endangering the safety of other participants or disrupt or interrupt the event.

We also ask that graduates leave all personal items in their car or with guests. We have no secure place to store these and will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Yes! Caps can be decorated but must not block the view of any graduates on the field.

Regalia gowns may not be altered or decorated. Gowns must remain in the state they were purchased as that is the appropriate and approved regalia for our ceremonies.

Sashes and stoles representing organizations, honors, an individual’s culture or identity, or proclaiming a vocational aspiration may be worn with cap and gown. Wearing multiple stoles is permitted.

Recognition cords, pins and medals awarded by Saddleback organizations and departments may also be worn with cap and gown.

Graduates who are receiving a diploma and meet the requirements for honors (Cume Laude, Summa Cume Laude, Magna Cume Laude), can pick up their cords, tassels, and stoles during check in.

Students participating in Commencement may not carry signs, banners, flags or anything on a pole so as to avoid obstructing views or endangering the safety of other participants or disrupt or interrupt the event. 

We also ask that graduates leave all personal items in their car or with guests. We have no secure place to store these and will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

During the commencement ceremony, you will be handed the cover for your diploma/certificate.  Diplomas and certificates will be mailed at a later date in the fall to all candidates who have completed their requirements.  If you move, please update your address online through MySite to ensure that you receive your diploma. Contact Admissions and Records with any questions.

Graduates can begin arriving at 3:30p to begin check-in at the practice fields directly behind the stadium. Check-in will be closer to Lot 1a side. Graduates must be ready to line up by 5p for the processional on the practice fields. Please allow adequate time to check in with Admissions and Records.

Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided to graduates/faculty/staff at the gymnasium landing.

Guests may begin arriving at 3:30p. The stadium will be open at this time for guests to begin getting seats. Provide ample time for parking and to ensure guests get the seats they want in the stadium, as they are first come first serve.

Faculty and staff will check in at the practice fields as well.

No parking passes are required. Parking is free on campus during the Commencement Ceremony.

• Guest drop off will be available in Lot 1A.
• Disabled Parking will available in Lots 1B and 1A.
• Closest parking to the venue for guests are Lots 1, 4, 5B, 5, 5A. and 7.
• A shuttle will be going between lots to assist individuals who may need a ride to the venue.

Volunteers will be available to answer guest questions throughout the venue. They will be wearing commencement badges.

ADA seating is available in locations throughout the stadium. Wheelchair seating is available on the lower concourse areas and at the top of the stadium on the home team side (accessible via elevator). Most seating is bench seating, but there is a section on the home team side that has backed chairs. Arrive early if you may need seating in that location.

Concessions will be available during the ceremony serving coffee, drinks, and snacks.

The bookstore will have a tent set up near concessions for purchase of items.

A First Aid Tent will be on site near the concession area.

Professional photographs by Grad Images will be taking pictures during the event for purchase after commencement. https://www.gradimages.com/

Photo opportunities for students and guests will also be available before and after the ceremony at various locations around the stadium. We will have step and repeats and congratulatory signs for you to take pictures in front of before and after.

The Ceremony is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of graduates. We as that graduates stay for the entire ceremony.

Yes, the link to the livestream (available above) and a digital copy of the commencement booklet will be available on the commencement website.