Commencement

Commencement Checklist for Master's or Doctoral Degree Candidates

Step 1: Eligibility deadlines

If you are receiving a Master's or doctoral degree and wish to participate at Commencement, you need to have completed the appropriate paperwork on time, and received approval from the Graduate Division. For specific eligibility information and application deadlines contact Kara Oswood in the Graduate Division Student Affairs Office.

Master's Degree Candidates:

MARCH 27 - Last day for candidates who will earn a Master's Degree in Spring 2008 to file an Advancement to Candidacy application in order to walk in the ceremony, and be eligible for the maximum number of guest tickets.

APRIL 18 - Last day for graduate students who will earn a Master's Degree in Summer 2008 on the thesis plan or a Master of Education Degree to file a Commencement Exercise Petition and have it approved by the Graduate Dean in order to walk in the ceremony, and be eligible for the maximum number of guest tickets. Students taking Comprehensive Exams in Summer 2008 are not eligible to walk.

Ph.D. Candidates:

MARCH 31 - Last day for candidates who will earn their Ph.D. degree in Spring 2008 to file a Notice of Intent to Complete Ph.D. in order to have degree information appear in the Commencement Program book, and be eligible for the maximum number of guest tickets.

APRIL 18 - Last day for graduate students who will earn a Ph.D. degree in Summer 2008 to file a Commencement Exercise Petition and have it approved by the Graduate Dean in order to walk in the ceremony, and be eligible for the maximum number of guest tickets.

Step 2: Update your personal information in SIS

Review your personal information in SIS via GROWL, and update as appropriate - local and permanent address, phone and email. Your Commencement photo proofs, diploma information etc. will be sent to you after graduation and we'll need to be able to reach you.

Step 3: Confirm your Research Advisor's Attendance

Ph.D. candidates will be hooded on stage by your research adviser, so you need to contact them and let them know that you're planning to walk and confirm that they will be there to hood you. If your adviser cannot attend, you may ask another member of your dissertation committee to hood you. The individual who will be hooding you must confirm their attendance and order their regalia via the Faculty page on the Commencement Web site.

Step 4: Apply to be Commencement Speaker or Singer

• Student Commencement Speaker applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., April 4, at the Graduate Division Student Affairs Office, University Office Building, Room 136. The student selected will present a three-minute speech at the Graduate Division Commencement Ceremony. Applications are available at the Graduate Division Student Affairs Office.
• Commencement Singer auditions will be held in April. If you are an excellent singer, and wish to audition to sing at Commencement, please contact Evelyn Starr in the Office of Event Management no later than April 11.

Step 5: Get your Cap and Gown

• Ph.D. Candidates who wish to purchase a blue UC doctoral gown, tam and hood must place their orders at the UCR Campus Store before Friday, April 18.
• Ph.D. candidates who wish to rent a traditional black doctoral gown, hood, mortarboard and tassel ($62.95 + tax) may do so at the UCR Campus Store April 7 - May 2, 2008.
• Master's Degree gown, hood, cap and tassel ($65.95 + tax) may be purchased at the GRAD FAIR May 6-8. Beginning May 9, Master's caps and gowns will be available for purchase at the UCR Campus Store.
• Teacher Credential Candidates should purchase the cap and gown corresponding to the highest degree you have earned.

Step 6: Attend Grad Fair

Grad Fair is the one stop for all of your graduation needs. It will be held in New Student Commons, Room 302 on:

• Tuesday, May 6 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 7 - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 8 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Step 7: Confirm your intent to participate at Commencement

Not all students who graduate choose to walk at Commencement. In order to ensure adequate seating for you and your guests, all eligible students who plan to attend must confirm their Intent to Participate with the Office of Event Management via this website May 6 - May 13. At this time, you will be able to review your degree information as it will be published in the Commencement Program book, order your Commencement tickets and let us know how you wish to have your name read at the ceremony.

Step 8: Order and pick up your Commencement tickets

Candidates must order guest tickets online May 6 - 13 when you confirm your Intent to Participate via the Commencement Web site. Tickets will be available for pick up at the University Theater Box Office. Candidates must come in person, with their student ID in order to receive their tickets. See the Tickets page for ticket distribution dates and times.

Step 9: Pick up your Cap and Gown

Rented Ph.D. caps and gowns will be available for pickup at the UCR Campus Store Tuesday, May 27 through Thursday, June 12. Ph.D. candidates will be hooded at Commencement, so bring your hood to the ceremony, but do not wear it.

Step 10: Attend Graduate Division Commencement - June 16

Candidates should plan to check-in at the Physical Education Building at 6:00 p.m.

• Ph.D. candidates: since you will be hooded by your research adviser during the ceremony, bring your hood with you, but do not wear it.
• Master's degree candidates: please wear your hood to the ceremony with your cap and gown.

Diplomas

The Registrar's Office will notify graduates, by postcard mailed to your permanent address as recorded in GROWL, when your diploma is ready for pickup. Diplomas for spring quarter graduates will not be available until late October. There are two ways to receive your diploma:

• Diplomas can be picked up at the Office of the Registrar approximately four months after the graduation date. When the diploma is available, a postcard is mailed to the permanent address as recorded in GROWL.
• Diplomas can also be mailed for $3.50 to domestic locations and $9.25 to international destinations. To have your diploma mailed to you, send a written request, your mailing address, and a check for the appropriate amount, payable to Regents UC to:
  University of California, Riverside
  Office of the Registrar
  1100 Hinderaker Hall
  Riverside, CA 92521-0118

For more information call (951) 827-7284.