Congratulations on your candidacy for a degree from one of the most distinguished universities in the United States. Graduation from UC Santa Barbara signifies high achievement for the Class of 2024. Please find important information, Commencement policies and resources below.
Returning to Commencement Green & Guest Ticketing
The seven relocated Commencement ceremonies (the Graduate Division, all College of Letters & Science, and the College of Engineering ceremonies), scheduled for June 14–16, will be returned to the Commencement Green.
Each of the six tickets issued to our students will admit two guests per ticket for the specific ceremony, allowing for a total of 12 guests per student. Each pair of guests entering on a single ticket must arrive together for admission. Guests are subject to security screening. Graduates can claim their guest tickets on MarchingOrder via GOLD. The Graduate Division will communicate directly with graduate students regarding MarchingOrder access instructions.
All graduates must wear regalia (cap and gown) at the June 14, 15 and 16 Commencement ceremonies. Regalia should be bought from the UCSB Campus Store.
Candidates participating in the June Ceremonies will receive their electronic stage pass via email in early June. Passes are unique to each graduate and the ceremony they reserved. Candidates must present their electronic stage pass at the Event Center (student line-up) to gain entrance. Specific instructions with day-of details including what time to report and what to bring will be outlined on your electronic stage pass.
Specific instructions with day-of details including what time to report and what to bring will be outlined on your electronic stage pass.
Out of respect for everyone having their names called, please remain seated until all of your peers have been recognized and the ceremony has ended. Pre-arrange a specific site to meet your family and friends after the ceremony. Once the ceremony ends you can meet your family and friends at your pre-selected meeting place.
Drinking water will be available at the Event Center student line-up area. All food or beverages (cups, cans, plastic or glass bottles, flasks, coolers) must be disposed of in appropriate trash/recycle containers. Alcoholic beverages, including celebratory champagne, are not permitted at Commencement and will be confiscated and discarded.
Our official Commencement photographer, GradImages, will photograph all graduates as they cross the stage. Only official photographers will be permitted around the stage area. Visit the GradImages website or call (800) 845-3686.
Please see Directions & Parking page.
Each of the six tickets issued to our students will admit two guests per ticket for the specific ceremony, allowing for a total of 12 guests per student. Each guest, 2 years or older, must have a ticket to enter. Each pair of guests entering on a single ticket must arrive together for admission. Guests are subject to security screening. Graduates can claim their guest tickets on MarchingOrder via GOLD. The Graduate Division will communicate directly with graduate students regarding MarchingOrder access instructions.
Please see Special Accommodations page.
Indoor on-site live streaming for those with disabilities and the elderly will be available in Theater & Dance 1701, located adjacent to the Commencement Green. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please visit the UCSB Campus Store website for more information.
Undergraduate diplomas are mailed approximately 3-4 months after the date of graduation. Please see information on diplomas at the Registrar’s website or email questions to GraduationMatters@sa.ucsb.edu.
Summer days in Santa Barbara can be foggy and cool or sunny and hot. Guests should prepare for varied weather conditions by bringing a jacket or light sweater and sun protection.
Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted on campus during Commencement exercises. For the safety of your pet and all guests, please leave your pet at home.
Alcohol, including celebratory champagne, is not permitted at Commencement and will be confiscated and discarded.
Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco or unregulated nicotine products (such as electronic cigarettes) is prohibited on and within UCSB managed property. We thank you for not smoking or using any tobacco products.
The following items are prohibited at Commencement:
- Alcohol
- Artificial noisemakers
- Backpacks, large bags, luggage (anything over 14" x 14" x 6")
- Balloons and confetti
- Bicycles
- Cans or glass bottles
- Drones
- Illegal substances
- Banners, flags, and signs
- Laser pointers
- Lawn chairs or furniture
- Outside food
- Pets (except for service animals)
- Skateboards or scooters
- Tobacco
- Umbrellas
- Weapons of any kind (knives, firearms, sharp instruments)
Please see Additional Resources page.
#UCSB2024
Join us on social media to celebrate and congratulate our graduates.
Questions About Commencement?
Visit our FAQ page to find answers to frequently asked questions or contact us by email at Commencement@ia.ucsb.edu.
This event will be photographed and/or recorded. By entering this space, you agree and grant irrevocable permission to have your likeness, image, voice, and appearance photographed and recorded for any University business-related purpose and used as embodied in UC Regents Product[s] whether recorded on or transferred to videotape, film, slides, photographs, audiotapes or other media, now known or later developed, and to be included in various University marketing, outreach, or news campaigns.
The UCSB Alert system is intended to enhance and promote safety on campus by providing community members and visitors with timely access to important information. Visitors who would like to receive temporary access to UCSB Alerts can subscribe to our NIXLE channel by texting UCSBAlert to 888777. (Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.)
Temporary subscriptions to UCSBAlert expires at 9:00am the following day, but can also be canceled by replying STOP at any time. Visitors must renew subscriptions to continue receiving alerts after they expire.
For alerts and information about incidents that occur outside of Clery geography (e.g., Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara) the campus community is encouraged to sign up for Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency alerts in Goleta or Santa Barbara. For additional information on the UCSB Alert system please visit the UC Santa Barbara Police Department website.