Commencement

Commencement Checklist for Teacher Credential Candidates

Step 1: Eligibility deadlines

If you are completing your Master's Degree or the Teacher Education Program and wish to participate at Commencement, you need to have completed the appropriate paperwork on time, and received approval from the Graduate Division or the Teacher Education Services Office. For specific eligibility information and application deadlines contact your Student Affairs Officer.

M.Ed. Candidates:

If you are planning to walk at Commencement, it is critical that you submit the necessary paperwork to the Graduate Division by the appropriate deadline, in order to be eligible for the maximum number of guest tickets. For specific eligibility information and application deadlines contact your Student Affairs Officer.

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.

Teacher Credential Candidates:

APRIL 18 - Last day for Teacher Credential candidates to contact the Teacher Education Services office to confirm your eligibility 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: 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 3-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 4: Get your Cap and Gown

• Master's Degree gown, hood, cap and tassel ($65.95 + tax) and Bachelor's degree cap, gown and tassel ($39.95) 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Attend Teacher Ed Commencement - June 16

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

• M.Ed. degree candidates: please wear your hood to the ceremony with your cap and gown.