Tickets
 

Do we need tickets?

Tickets are required for all family and guests (including infants and toddlers).Seating is general admission. 

Only graduating students can reserve tickets for their family or guests. Each student will receive an allotted number of tickets based on space availability. 

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

Does the graduating student need a ticket?

Graduates do not need a ticket. However, they must register to participate in their ceremony. All guests need tickets.

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?

When you register please indicate if you would like to be placed on a wait list for additional guests tickets. Additional tickets are not guaranteed.

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.

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 UC Davis Stores. Please visit UC Davis Stores for price lists, ordering, and information.

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.

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. 

Please contact soe_graduation@ucdavis.edu for instructions on how to order. 

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. Check in tables will be located outside along the north side of the building (facing the Law School)

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.

How long will the ceremony be?

The Ceremony will be approximately 2 hours.

General ceremony program:

• The procession will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. 
• 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 I leave the ceremony early?

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

Will the ceremony be available for live stream?

A live stream will be available through ATS/Mediaworks for individuals who would like to view the commencement but are unable to attend in person. Following the live stream, the content will also be archived on the same website. Live stream go here. On the left hand navigation column look for Spring Commencement – School of Education.

What should I bring with me?

Students should arrive with regalia for check-in.

Do Not Bring Valuables Into Mondavi! 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 seated with graduates
• 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.

General Questions
 

Are there provisions for graduating students with disabilities?

Yes. Special arrangements can be made for students with disabilities. If you require any special accommodations, please notify us at soe_graduation@ucdavis.edu  as early as possible. We are able to offer special accommodations to students only.

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

Where should I park?

Please reference the Parking Map and Interactive Parking Map links.

Lot 1 and Lot 2: Lot 1 is located directly behind the Gateway Parking Structure and has a flow through behind and to the east of the Shrem Art Museum. Lot 2 is located behind Lot 1. There are a limited number of handicapped places designated in this lot.

Gateway Parking Structure is located across from the Mondavi Center off Old Davis Road. There is a garage elevator with access to all parking levels.

Parking is free starting at 2 p.m.

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.

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

International Students wishing to request a visa support letter from the School of Education in order to have relatives living outside the U.S. attend the commencement, need to e-mail their request to  soe_graduation@ucdavis.edu and include the following information:

• Degree candidate’s name
• ​​Degree candidate’s gender (for referencing in letter)
• ​​Degree candidate’s Graduate Program
• ​​Degree candidate’s degree upon completion
• ​​Name(s) of guest(s) and relation to degree candidate 

Once your eligibility is reviewed and approved you will be sent a PDF letter that can be forwarded via e-mail.  If you would like a hard-copy letter please let us know and you will be notified when the letter is ready for pick-up at the School of Education. (If you would rather have the letter mailed to a U.S. address, please state this in your e-mail and include your mailing address. We do not mail letters outside the U.S.)