Sunday, December 13, 2009
3 p.m.
Haas Pavilion
Followed by a reception at Alumni House
![]() Photo by TxDOT
The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta Vice Chairman Hill & Knowlton, Inc. |
Tickets are now available for purchase on-line until December 9. |
Important! Please note that this deadline is firm and no exceptions will be made. Each graduate (Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD) also needs to purchase a ticket to participate in the procession.
All graduates must have signed up by November 12 to be listed in the program. If the graduate missed the deadline, he or she is still welcome to walk, but the graduate’s name will not be listed in the printed program. Commencement tickets will still be sold online until December 9, and will be sold at the door (cash or check only, please) if space is still available.
All graduates (Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD) must purchase a ticket to participate.
Tickets cost $5 and will be available for purchase at the Grad Fair on November 3 and 4 between 10am and 4pm held at the Alumni House. General admission tickets are limited to 10 per graduate. You may purchase tickets on-line until December 9 by clicking here. Tickets purchased November 23-30 will not be available for pick up until after noon on December 1. All other orders may be picked up 2 business days after purchase at 2080 Addison Street, 4th floor receptionist during regular business hours until December 10. Alternatively, you may pick up tickets at Haas Pavilion Will Call on December 13. Questions? Contact the University Events Office at 888/UNIV.CAL (888/864.8225) or events1@berkeley.edu.
Please note that all sales are FINAL and no refunds will be made. No exceptions, please.
Graduates will enter Haas Pavilion from the southwest entrance 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 the University Events Office by email (events1@berkeley.edu) or by calling 888/UNIV.CAL (888/864.8225).
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.
Q: Where do I purchase my academic regalia?
A: There are three places to purchase your cap and gown.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Bachelor - $ 35 + tax (includes purchase of gown and cap with tassel)
Master - $60 + tax (includes purchase of gown, hood and cap with tassel)
Ph.D. - $64 + tax (includes purchase of gown, hood and Ph.D. Tam rental)
Q: Should I return my regalia back to the Cal Student Store or Ned’s Bookstore?
A: There is no need to return your regalia; you can keep your graduation attire. The only rental item is the Ph.D. Tam. Ph.D. Tams should be turned in to the Cal Student Store by December 20th.
Q: I have honors distinction. Will I receive cords to wear?
A: UC Berkeley does not provide cords to wear at Commencement. If you are a part of a club, organization, or college that provides cords, you may wear those. Check with your club advisor or departmental advisor to confirm.
Q: Where do I purchase graduation announcements, thank you cards, diploma covers, or other graduation items?
A: If you wish to purchase additional graduation-related items, both the Cal Student Store and Ned’s bookstore are offering various graduation packages that include items such as announcements, thank you cards, diploma covers, and regalia keeper. If you purchase $75 dollars worth of any graduation-related product at the Cal Student Store, you receive a free 1-year alumni membership.
A professional photographer, GradTrak Graduation Images (http://www.gradimages.com), will take a picture of each graduate. The Commencement Ceremony will not be webcast.
Grad Fair is November 3–4 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Alumni House.
The Grad Fair is a free resources festival for all graduates where you can pick up your cap and gown and helpful information for your graduation.UPDATE: There is an event happening at Zellerbach Hall at the same time as the December Graduates Convocation. Please be advised that you should ARRIVE EARLY.
Haas Pavilion is located at the intersection of Bancroft Way and Dana Street.
For more information about visiting campus, consult directions to campus and the online campus map. We recommend the Dwinelle Lot, Dana/Durant Lot, or Bancroft/Fulton Lot. Due to limited parking availability, we recommend that you use public transportation whenever possible.
Disabled students or guests (e.g., those in wheelchairs, who have vision or hearing difficulties, etc.) should contact the University Events Office at 888/UNIV.CAL (888/864.8225) or events1@berkeley.edu to arrange for special accommodations.
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 Commencement Convocation?
A: The ceremony will be on Sunday, December 13 at 3 p.m. at Haas Pavilion. Students must arrive at Haas Pavilion and line up by 2:00 p.m.
Q: How do students sign up so that the department knows they want to participate?
A: All graduating students must have signed up on the Commencement Convocation web site by November 12 to be included in the printed program. If the graduate missed the deadline, he or she is still welcome to walk, but the graduate's name will not be listed in the program. Important! Please note that this deadline is firm and no exceptions will be made. Each graduate (Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD) also needs to purchase a ticket to participate in the procession.
Commencement tickets will still be sold online until December 9, and will be sold at the door (cash or check only, please) if space is still available. All sales are final.
Q: How long is the ceremony?
A: The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, followed by a reception at Alumni House.
Q: Where is the reception?
A: The reception will follow the ceremony and will be held at Alumni House.
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. We recommend the Dwinelle Lot, Dana/Durant Lot, or Bancroft/Fulton Lot.
Q: What time should I arrive at Haas Pavilion?
A: Doors will open for guests at 2 p.m.
Q: Will I/we need tickets for Commencement? How much are tickets?
A: Yes. All graduates and guests must purchase a ticket to enter Haas Pavilion. Tickets are $5 each. General admission tickets are limited to 10 per graduate. Questions? Contact the University Events Office at 888/UNIV.CAL (888/864.8225) or purchase tickets here.
Q: How can I get tickets?
A: Each graduate (Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD) must purchase a ticket to participate in the ceremony and may purchase up to 10 tickets for their family and friends. You may purchase commencement tickets on-line until December 9 by clicking here. Tickets purchased November 23-30 will not be available for pick up until after noon on December 1. All other orders may be picked up 2 business days after purchase at 2080 Addison Street, 4th floor receptionist during regular business hours until December 10. Alternatively, you may pick up tickets at Haas Pavilion Will Call on December 13. Tickets will be sold at the door (cash or check only, please) if space is still available.
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. GradTrak Graduation Images (http://www.gradimages.com) will take pictures of each graduate.
Q: Are the graduating students’ names called at the convocation ceremony?
A: Yes.
Q: Our family name is hard to pronounce. What can we do?
A: Students are asked to spell their names phonetically on their name cards.
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 automatically. Diplomas are usually available three and a half months after graduation. For more information, visit http://registrar.berkeley.edu/Records/diplomas.html.
Q: Who is the keynote speaker?
A: The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chairman, Hill & Knowlton, Inc.
Q: Will the Commencement ceremony be Web cast?
A: No.
UC Berkeley December Graduation Information