On April 16, Chancellor Gary S. May announced that spring 2021 graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a limited-scale, in person commencement processional. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony. 

“While the current state of COVID-19 infections and spread in our area has improved dramatically, the pandemic is not over and we must still be cautious,” said May. “Our commencement celebrations will be limited to comply with regulations and to keep our graduates, their families, our faculty and staff, and the broader community safe.” 

As such, Graduate Studies will host a limited, in-person commencement processional on June 10 and a virtual celebration on June 11, 2021. Regardless of which commencement event graduates participate in, degrees will still be conferred as students complete their studies. 

Plans for the in-person processional are subject to change based on evolving direction from state and local public health officials, and are predicated on Yolo County moving into the yellow tier. They may need to be revised should the county not reach that tier by June. Due to the size limitations of gatherings, the in-person event will be limited to 300 students. Read the Chancellor’s message for safety protocols and celebration details for the in-person processional. 

Graduate Studies knows that a commencement ceremony, particularly one celebrating the completion of a graduate degree, is one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic and professional life. We are excited to celebrate our graduates’ and recognize their achievements at these celebrations. 

Visit the Graduate Studies Commencement website for more details and all eligible students were emailed instructions on how to register for the Spring 2021 Commencement Celebrations.

If you have any questions, please email gradcommencement@ucdavis.edu. 

About Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes over 100 dynamic degree programs and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world. Known for our state-of-the-art research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula through graduate groups and designated emphasis options, bringing students and faculty of different academic disciplines together to address real-world challenges.

UC Davis graduate students and postdoctoral scholars become leaders in their fields: researchers, teachers, politicians, mentors and entrepreneurs. They go on to guide, define and impact change within our global community.

For information on Graduate Studies’ current strategic initiatives, visit the Graduate Studies strategic plan page.