Friday, May 22, 2009
2pm
Greek Theatre
Followed by a reception on the Campanile Esplanade
Keynote speaker
TBD
Sign up online by March 27, to reserve your tickets and be listed in the printed program. Sign Up
Sign up online by March 27, to reserve your tickets and be listed in the printed program.
If the graduate misses the deadline, he or she is still welcome to walk, but the graduate's name will not be listed in the printed program.
Tickets will be available for pick up at the Grad Fair from April 7 - 10 between 10am and 4pm.
Instructions for the day of Commencement Convocation
- Doors open at 1p.m.
- Ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m.
- Graduates line up at the Maxwell Family Field starting at 12:30 p.m. If the graduates choose to process with their friends, please be advised that you should line up in front and/or behind your friends, as the two lines formed will separate and be seated in two different sections.
- An official Commencement Photographer will be at the Maxwell Family Field to take your picture.
- Be sure to fill out a name card at one of the tables at the field so that your name can be read aloud (and correctly!) at the podium.
- You will not receive your diploma, but will receive a memento commemorating your graduation from UC Berkeley.
- There will be a post reception at the Campanile Esplanade immediately following the ceremony.
- Don't forget your graduate and guest tickets. Seating is first come, first served; late guests may be forced to sit on the grass.
- Suggest that guests bring hats, water bottles, and sunscreen if hot, or jackets and umbrellas if cold or drizzly
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Graduates will enter the Greek Theatre from the backstage in two lines and will be seated in the area directly in front of the stage.
The tassel should be on the right side of the cap prior to the ceremony and will be moved to the left side during the ceremony as directed by the Chancellor.
For questions about these instructions, please contact Emile Cravens by email or by calling 510/642-3805.
Thank you for your cooperation, and congratulations!
Important! The degree list and commencement list are not the same. Read on to see which applies to you and when you need to add yourself to each list.
The degree list is how you officially signal the university that you are ready to graduate and are in the process of completing your final courses for your degree. In order to graduate, you must add yourself to the degree term (the spring, summer, or fall) in which you expect to complete all of your degree requirements (e.g., college, double major, minors, incompletes). This is done through Tele-BEARS when you register for your final semester's classes.
The convocation list is how you inform us that you are planning to attend the Commencement Convocation. The event is a celebration for you and your family at the completion (or near completion) of your college years. Signup for the Convocation occurs through this web site.
Signing up for commencement does not put you on the degree list, nor does putting yourself on the degree list sign you up for commencement.
A professional photographer, Bob Knight Photo, will take a picture of each graduate.
Grad Fair is April 7-10, from 10am to 4pm in the Cal Student Store. The Grad Fair is a free resource festival for all graduates where you can pick up your cap and gown and helpful information for your graduation.
The University of California, Berkeley is pleased that you are able to attend the graduation ceremony of your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, coworker, or friend. Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: When and where is the Commencement Convocation?
A: The ceremony will be on Friday, May 22 at 2pm a the Greek Theatre. Students must arrive and line up by 12:30 p.m.
Q: How do students sign up so that the department knows they want to participate?
A: Students must sign up on the Commencement Convocation web site. The signup ensures that the names of the participating students will appear on the convocation program.
Q: How long is the ceremony?
A: The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, followed by a reception at the Campanile Esplanade.
Q: Where is the reception?
A: The reception will follow the ceremony and will be held at the Campanile Esplanade.
Q: How long is the reception?
A: One hour.
Q: Where can I get information about dining and lodging?
A: For a listing of restaurants and hotels in the Berkeley area, please visit the Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau's website.
Q: Where is the best place to park?
A: Follow this link for parking information.
Q: What time should I arrive at the Greek Theatre?
A: Doors will open for guests at 1:00 p.m.
Q: Will I/we need tickets for Commencement? How much are tickets?
A: Yes. All guests must have a ticket to enter The Greek Theatre. Tickets are $2 each.
Q: How can I get tickets?
A: Each graduate must sign-up and reserve a ticket for their family and friends. Tickets can be picked up at Grad Fair April 7-10.
Q: Do children need tickets?
A: Yes, only children under 2 who will sit on an adult's lap do not need a ticket.
Q: Will there be a photographer?
A: Yes. A Bob Knight Photographer will take pictures of each graduate.
Q: Are the graduating students' names called at the convocation ceremony?
A: Yes, but scrolls will not be given.
Q: Are diplomas given out at the ceremony?
A: No. Attending a commencement ceremony does not mean that a student actually graduated. Some students attend the ceremony though they will not finish all degree requirements until a later semester. The ceremony is strictly a celebratory ritual.
Q: How does the graduate get a diploma?
A: All undergraduate diplomas will be mailed to the diploma mailing addresss the undergraduate indicated on Bearfacts. Students have until July 25 to update their diploma mailing address on Bearfacts. It takes up to four months for all the checks and verifications to clear. Students should receive their diploma by the end of August. For more information, visit: http://registrar.berkeley.edu/Records/diplomas.html.
Q: Who is the keynote speaker?
A: TBD
