Commencement Information for Students

Eligibility Requirements

Graduate Studies Commencement is held annually in June to celebrate students who complete their degrees during the academic year. Graduate Studies does not host a Fall Commencement Ceremony.

REGISTER BY MAY 10

Students eligible to participate in the June ceremony if:

You Advanced to Candidacy.
- Candidacy Applications must be submitted to Graduate Studies by April 14, 2023.
  OR
You were filed to graduate between June 10, 2022 - June 14, 2023.
- Filing a Thesis or Dissertation
- Completing the Master’s Plan II or MFA

Important 2023 Dates

February 22	Registration opens
April 14 at 11:59 p.m.	Advanced to candidacy forms due to Graduate Studies
April 18	Deadline to rent a cap/gown without a late fee. Late fees will start on April 19. Regalia is managed through the UC Davis Bookstore, if you have any questions please contact them directly.
May 10	Registration closes
Prior to Commencement	Line-up instructions will be emailed
June 15	Commencement line-up begins at 2:00 pm on Hutchinson Field Ceremony begins at 3:00 pm at the University Credit Union Center (formerly The ARC Pavilion).

Guest Tickets

All registered students will receive up to (4) guest tickets to attend the in-person ceremony. Guest tickets are managed by the Aggie Ticket Box Office. Details for reserving tickets will be provided as soon as the information becomes available.

Ticket allocation is predetermined based on the anticipated graduate attendance for each ceremony, and capacity of the venue. Likewise, the amount of extra tickets available (if any) for distribution cannot be determined until after the close of registration and final approvals of any late registrations.

Special Requests or Accommodations

If you are a graduating student and require special accommodations, please notify us as soon as possible by stating your need in the request under the "Special Needs" section of your commencement registration. Two months' notice is needed for a sign language interpreter or if you need assistance crossing the stage. We are able to offer accommodations to students only. Please visit the Student Disability Center for further information.

Ordering Regalia

Academic attire called 'regalia' consists of: a cap, gown, tassel, and hood. You will need to either rent or purchase through UC Davis Stores. Please see UC Davis Stores - Graduation and be sure to choose 'Graduate Studies' on the drop down menu when ordering your regalia.

Students are responsible for acquiring, bringing, and returning their regalia. Gowns and hoods must be returned immediately following the commencement ceremony. Locations for returns will be announced prior to the ceremony. Regalia not returned immediately following the ceremony to the UC Davis Store at the Memorial Union by the first Monday following the ceremony will be assessed a daily late return fee beginning the following Tuesday. Graduate Studies is not responsible for commencement regalia.

Wearing Academic Dress

The cap is worn with the long point of the shell to the rear. The tassel on the master's candidate's cap and the tassel on the doctoral cap is worn to the left, signifying the possession of an academic degree. However, when crossing the stage, please wear the tassel on the right for photographic purposes. Lightweight clothing is usually worn under the gown due to the warm weather. A button-up blouse/shirt is recommended for ease in affixing the 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 doctoral gown has velvet facings on its front panels and three velvet chevrons on each sleeve. The University of California authorizes recipients of the doctoral degree earned on any of its campuses to wear an academic gown of admiral blue.
The hood worn by those receiving the master's or doctoral degree 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. Doctoral candidates do not wear their hoods during the line-up and procession. The hoods will be invested on stage by the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies.