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 receive in School of Education emails. We recommend that students and guests sign up for free parking ahead of time.

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 at the Mondavi Center, where volunteers will assist.

Do guests need to check their bags?

Bags, signs or other items larger than 8.5 x 11 inches must be checked at the Mondavi Center’s complimentary coat check, so we encourage guests to leave larger items at home. Bags under 8.5 x 11 inches are permitted inside the hall after a security check. 

Tickets

Does the graduating student need a ticket?

Graduates do not need a ticket. However, they must register to participate in their ceremony  by May 19, and to receive guest tickets. All guests need tickets, including infants and toddlers.

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?

Yes. Tickets are required for all family and guests, including infants and toddlers. Guests must obtain tickets from their graduate prior to the graduate’s ceremony line-up time.

Seating is general admission. Graduating students will be 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.

Does my resident teacher need a ticket?

Resident teachers do need a ticket, but they 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 soe_graduation@ucdavis.eduas 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. You can also rent your regalia from Herff Jones, use the same link. 

Student Cap, Gown and Accessories Information: UC Davis Stores
Regular distribution will start on May 20–June 13, 2026 at the Memorial Union Campus store lower level Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM, Sat noon-5 PM.

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 Memorial Union 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, to a maximum of $20.00.

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

Which cap and gown should I order?

Graduates should always display the highest level of degree held, or that they are receiving.
Students wearing hoods are allowed to wear them during the ceremony.
FYI: SOE does not hood in our ceremony as we do not confer degrees, instead we use cords/stoles placed over the students shoulder in recognition of their degree.

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?

Graduating Students
Please plan to arrive at the Mondavi Center between 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 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 inside the building, students will enter 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.

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 1–2 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.

What should/shouldn’t I bring with me?

Graduating students should arrive with regalia for check-in.

Students can bring a small fanny pack to wear under your regalia, for phone and other small items.  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
•  Mondavi Center: Safety & Security- More information here.
• List of prohibited items in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts: 
• Weapons (guns, pepper spray, sharp objects)
• Pets/Animals (with the exception of service dogs)
• Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Smoking and vaping
• Large flags or banners
• Air horns or other noise-making disruptors
• Poppers or confetti
• Photography poles, sticks or tripods 
• Wrapped gifts or packages
• Helium balloons
• Flowers in glass or ceramic containers
• Transportation devices (bikes, scooters, etc.)
• Food or beverages (only sealed bottled water or empty refillable bottles allowed)

Bags, signs or other items larger than 11×8.5 inches must be checked at the Mondavi Center’s complimentary coat check.

Any prohibited items found in the venue will be confiscated. Additionally, cell phones should be turned off or put in 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): The Graduate Studies ceremony for graduate students earning degrees from any UC Davis graduate program, and the School of Education ceremony for our students only. Students may attend one or both of these ceremonies.

Downloading the Graduation Program

Where can I download the graduation program?

Not available yet.  There are also QR codes posted in the Mondavi Center that link to a message from Chancellor May and provide programs for multiple ceremonies, including the School of Education.

Livestream

Will the ceremony be livestreamed or recorded?

YES, link is not yet available for 2026 for watching live during the graduation ceremony, and a recording will be available afterwards on this website.

General Questions

Will there be photography?

Yes, Pro Pics will be taking individual photographs of each candidate as they cross the stage and a portrait off-stage before they return to their seats for the remainder of the 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. Children and infants 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.