The Commencement Convocation is the only University-wide event where graduating seniors from all academic disciplines are given a time to come together to celebrate their achievements at UC Berkeley. Graduates' names are called but diplomas are not distributed at this event. Departmental Graduations are the official degree-conferring events.
You don’t receive your official diploma at Commencement. After four months (approximately, September), you can pick up your diploma in person at 120 Sproul Hall or you can have it mailed to you for $12. Diploma mailing cards are available at the Registrar’s Office, 120 Sproul Hall, 643-7490.
At Commencement Convocation, seniors will process into the Greek Theater to open the event. Your name will be called but you will not receive a scroll. Your name will also be called at your individual department graduation(s).
If you would like to take part in the Senior Procession, you should wear your gown (cap optional).
The Cal Student Store (642-7028) sells all the necessary graduation accessories, including caps, gowns, announcements, diploma frames, and mementos. They also sell complete "Grad Packs" that enable you to purchase all your graduation necessities together to receive extra savings. Check out more graduation items.
The Senior Class Gift Campaign is a long-standing tradition where seniors join together to celebrate our graduation by leaving a legacy at Cal. The Class of 2009 aims to raise $60,000 from over 1,800 seniors. All gifts will be matched $ for $ by a Cal alum, so if every senior gives just $20.09 in 2009, we will raise over $250,000! You can choose to support the Class of 2009 Endowed Scholarship Fund or your college or school. Every senior that gives will be recognized at our Commencement and online Honor Roll and receive an invitation to the “Thank You!” Reception at the Chancellor’s House.
This year’vs Senior Week celebration is scheduled to take place on April 20 through 24. Visit the Californian's Web site for up-to-date information regarding Senior Week.
Monday, April 20, 2009, 7:30-9 PM
Campanile Reception - Enjoy appetizers and performance from campus acapella groups.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 8-9 PM
Last Lecture - "Last lecture" given by a winner of the Distinguished Teaching Award and professor of Physics for Future Presidents, Richard Muller. The lecture will be followed be a post reception.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 12-2 PM
Hot Dog/Ice Cream Social - Enjoy a scoop of famous Fenton's ice cream and Top Dog hot dogs while hanging out with your friends and fellow seniors.
Thursday, April 23, 2009, 9 PM-12 AM
Midnight Masquerade - Ready for a night of dancing, appetizers, dressing up, and gambling? Dance the night away at the midnight masquerade!
Friday, April 24, 2009, 3 PM
Paint the Big C - Up for a hike to the Big C? Once at the top, we'll paint the C white (the senior color), take time to admire the scenery, eat some sandwiches, then hike back down.
Buy your tickets at the senior sweatshirt table on Sproul.
Tickets are $25 for the whole week, or $20 for just the dance.
Grad Fair is a free resource festival held April 7-10, 10am-4pm in the Cal Student Store. Tickets for Commencement Convocation can be reserved and can be picked up at the Grad Fair. Cal Student Store Grad Packs — which include cap, gown, and announcements — will be on sale as well. There will be free snacks, drinks, give-aways, and a host of campus and private company vendors present, including Coke, Jostens, Kaplan, Cal Athletics, and the Cal Career Center. Grad Fair is co-sponsored by the California Alumni Association, Cal Student Store, and the Californians Class of 2009. Find out more about Grad Fair.
Get a monthly “Senior News & Clues” e-newsletter that gives you information on deadlines, cap and gown, graduation announcements, class rings, Commencement Convocation, Senior Week, senior portraits, Senior Class Gift, and everything you need to know to be prepared!
Keep up with the monthly “Senior News and Clues” by e-mailing sccpresident@yahoo.com. It has come to our attention that some seniors are having a difficult time subscribing to the newsletter.
This is the official yearbook at Cal. The Blue and Gold Yearbook covers events, issues, and trends on the Berkeley campus during a given year. It also includes campus facts, figures and people, including a section for portraits of intended graduates, and sections for clubs and organizations, athletics, academics and research, and Greek life. There are limited copies, so reserve yours.
To check whether you are on the degree list, log on to Bear Facts or call Info-BEARS at 642-9400. If there is no indication that you are on the degree list, and you are planning to graduate at the end of the current semester, inquire at the Office of the Registrar, 120 Sproul Hall.
To make sure you’ve fulfilled all of your major/department, college/school, American Cultures, and University requirements (i.e., Subject A), request a degree check on Bear Facts. Find out more about degree checks.
Get your portraits in the Blue & Gold yearbook. Portraits also make excellent keepsakes, gifts for your family, and application photos. For the latest information, browse the Blue & Gold Senior Portraits page or call (510) 292-4320 .
