Parking and Bag Checks

Is there free parking?

Free parking is still available at the Mondavi Center parking lot, but now requires an online procedure using a code that students received in School of Education emails. We recommend that students and guests sign up for free parking ahead of time. Read the instructions and get the link to sign up for free parking.

On graduation day, any guests who need assistance with the free parking sign-up process should bring the make/model and license plate number of their car to Will Call, where volunteers will assist.

Do guests need to check their bags?

Guest bags, signs or other items over 8.5 x 11 inches are required to be checked at the Mondavi Center’s complimentary coat check. We encourage guests to only bring bags or items under 8.5 x 11 inches or leave them at home.

Graduating students should not bring purses, backpacks, etc. into the Mondavi Center. There is not a secure location to leave them and graduates will not be allowed to bring them into Jackson Hall during the ceremony. Graduates should leave their belongings in their car or with their guests.

Tickets

Does the graduating student need a ticket?

Graduates do not need a ticket. However, they must register to participate in their ceremony by April 23 in order to receive guest tickets. All guests need tickets.

I couldn’t pick up my tickets. Is there a Will Call option?

Graduation tickets are available for pickup at the Will Call table, starting at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Mondavi Center, prior to the start of the School of Education graduation ceremony.

Do guests need tickets?

Tickets are required for all family and guests (including infants and toddlers). Seating is general admission. Graduating students have been sent an email with directions for ticket pickup. Please contact School of Education graduation staff if you have not received your email.

Only graduating students can reserve tickets for their family or guests. Each student will receive an allotted number of tickets based on space availability. Tickets are not available to the general public and can only be obtained from a graduating student.

Guests must obtain tickets from their graduate PRIOR to the graduate’s ceremony line-up time.

Does my resident teacher need a ticket?

Resident teachers do need a ticket, but will receive a separate invitation and instructions from the School of Education on how to RSVP and pick up their ticket. 

Students do not need to count their resident teacher as part of their allotted tickets.

Are additional tickets available?

Please email School of Education graduation staff to see if any extra tickets are available. We also encourage graduates to ask other students if they have unneeded tickets.

Accessibility

How do I request the provisions for graduating students with disabilities?

If you are a student who requires any special accommodations, please notify us at soeevents@ucdavis.edu as early as possible. We are able to offer special accommodations to students only.

You can also visit the Student Disability Center for more information on available accommodations.

What if my guest has limited mobility or special needs?

Guests with mobility issues may be dropped off directly in front of the Mondavi Center and wheelchair access is available. 

For guests with limited/no hearing, assisted listening devices are available to check out at the patron’s services desk located in the lobby. A driver’s license or credit card is required as security until the device is returned.

For full facility information, visit the Mondavi Center accessibility page.

Cap and Gown

Where do I get my cap and gown?

Regalia (cap, tassel, gown and hood), announcements, diploma frames, and graduation gifts can all be purchased online through the Herff Jones website.

Where do I return my gown?

Collection stations will be located at Mondavi Center approximately ½ hour before the end of each ceremony until approximately 1 hour afterward. Gowns not returned either after a ceremony or to the MU Campus Store by the Monday following the ceremony weekend will be subject to late return fee, beginning at $5.00 and increasing by $5.00 each week, max: $20.00.

If you need to extend the rental period, contact gradsupplies@ucdavis.edu to make special arrangements.

I am a teaching credential candidate with an advanced degree, which cap and gown should I order?

Graduates should always display the highest level of degree held, or are receiving.

What if I have other questions about cap and gown rental?

Please contact gradsupplies@ucdavis.edu with other questions about cap and gown rentals.

Ceremony

What time should I arrive and where do I go?

For Graduating Students

Please plan to arrive at the Mondavi Center between 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. with your regalia for check in. If you miss this call time, you may not be able to walk in the ceremony. Check in tables will be located outside along the north side of the building (facing the Law School). Only graduates will be permitted to enter the Mondavi Center prior to 3 p.m.

For Family and Guests

The Mondavi Center lobby will open at 3 p.m. for guests. No restroom facilities are available until the doors open. Doors to Jackson Hall, where the ceremony takes place, open at 3:30 p.m. for seating.

What is the ceremony program?

The ceremony will be approximately 2 hours.

• The procession will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. 
• Guests will not be seated five minutes prior to the ceremony or during the processional.
• After a short program, each graduate goes on stage as their name is read.
• Professional photographs are taken as the graduate is congratulated.
• The event ends with a recessional.

Can graduating students leave the ceremony early?

No. Out of respect for other graduates and their guests, graduating students are asked to remain for the duration of the ceremony.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

The ceremony will be livestreamed here on Vimeo for watching during the graduation ceremony, and a recording will be available afterwards.

What should/shouldn’t I bring with me?

Graduating students should arrive with regalia for check-in.

Students should not bring valuables into the Mondavi Center. Please leave your purses, backpacks, etc. in your car or with your family. There is not a secure location for them and you will not be allowed to bring them with you into Jackson Hall during the ceremony.

In consideration of the graduates, speakers, and the safety of all guests, the following is prohibited:

• Children or infants seated with graduates or going on stage
• Air horns, beach balls or other distracting items
• Tobacco products
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Weapons of any kind including firearms and knives
• Drones (UAS – Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or other model aircraft
• Animals except for registered guide dogs
• Tripods 

Any prohibited items found in the venue will be confiscated. Additionally, pagers and cell phones should be turned off or to silent mode during the ceremony.

UC Davis makes a special effort to ensure that our commencement is a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved. Students, parents, faculty and alumni have indicated their wish to have commencement conducted in an appropriately ceremonial atmosphere, and we ask for the cooperation of you and your guests.

Is there another graduation ceremony that School of Education graduates may attend?

School of Education master’s and doctoral students have the option of attending two ceremonies (this does not apply for credential students) – Two hosted by Graduate Studies for graduate students earning degrees from all UC Davis graduate programs, and one hosted by the School of Education for our students only. Students may attend one or both of these ceremonies.

General Questions

Will there be photography?

Yes, Grad Images will be taking individual photographs of each candidate as they cross the stage and a portrait off-stage before returning to risers to be seated for remainder of ceremony.

Family members and friends should take photographs of candidates either before or after commencement. 

What about bringing children?

All are welcome to come and celebrate the graduation ceremony as guests. Children, including infants, will need a ticket to attend. They may not sit with graduating students and are not allowed on the stage with them.

International Students: How do I request a visa support letter for my family members?

If you will need a visa support letter in order to have relatives living outside the U.S. attend the commencement, contact your program coordinator. For full information about the steps that will be required, visit the UC Davis Global Affairs webpage on services for international students and scholars.