Commencement FAQ for Students
Tuesday, May 20 | 7PM | Zellerbach Auditorium
The Film & Media department commencement ceremony
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony starts promptly at 7pm and lasts approximately 2 hours.
What time should I arrive at Zellerbach Auditorium?
Students are asked to arrive by 6pm. We will line up to enter Zellerbach at 6:30pm. Degree candidates line up on the Lower Sproul Plaza in the following order: Faculty, Ph.D. candidates, B.A. candidates. You will receive a card with your name and pronunciation on it. Changes to the cards are acceptable and pens will be distributed.
How does the Processional, Scrolls, and Recessional work?
- Ph.D. candidates are seated on stage.
- B.A. students are seated in the middle rows of Zellerbach. We ask that student speakers sit in the front row. When your group is announced (Film & Media B.A. students), the whole group should stand up and walk towards the north end of the stage in one continuous line (staff will direct students). Hand your card to the name reader, walk across the stage, receive your scroll and exit the other end of the stage. Grad Images will take a picture of each degree candidate just before the candidate walks across the stage and again as the candidate receives a scroll. Be sure to space yourselves and smile!
- Remain standing until after your degree group has been granted degrees by the Chair.
- When the ceremony ends, the recession will begin with faculty, followed by Ph.D. candidates, and the front row of B.A. candidates, followed by ascending rows. Meet your friends and family in Lower Sproul.
Which direction should I move my tassel?
Your tassel should be on the right side of your cap prior to the ceremony and on the left side after your group has been granted a degree by the Chair.
Is regalia required?
No, regalia is not required. We do suggest wearing business casual attire for the event. Regalia is available for purchase or rent at the Cal Student Store.
The Educational Opportunity Program has created the "Graduation Gown Lending Project" to support first generation and low income UC Berkeley students with free rental of graduation gowns. Apply by April 23rd. More information here: EOP Grad
Ph.D. Candidates Instruction
Each Ph.D. degree candidate will be hooded by their thesis professor as part of the commencement ceremony.
When your name is announced during the ceremony, your thesis title will be read and you should approach the front of the stage. Your thesis professor will present you with your hood. Once you have received your hood, walk toward the south end of the stage to receive your scroll. Then, walk behind the chairs to return to your seat on the stage.
Is there a reception?
No, unfortunately not. The late timing of the ceremony isn't conducive to a reception afterwards.
Where is the best place to park?
Lower Sproul Garage. $11 flat rate. Debit or credit card only. No cash. Public parking is also available at the Telegraph-Channing Garage. Please note that rates and hours may differ.
There are limited designated accessible parking in Lower Sproul Garage for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking for Department Graduations is only available on a first-come, first-serve basis the day of the ceremony. Graduating students and their guests may use the free Bear Transit campus shuttles to travel from the lot to Zellerbach Hall.
Visit the City of Berkeley website for more information.
Will I need a ticket for Commencement? How much are tickets?
Students do not need tickets for themselves. (Please make sure to register for the ceremony, though, here: 2025 Commencement Ceremony RSVP.)
All other guests must have a ticket to enter Zellerbach Auditorium. Tickets are available for $15 (limit of 10 tickets--this may change depending on seats available) at this website: Tickets.Berkeley.Edu
Can a picture of a ticket work for admittance?
Do children need tickets?
Yes! However, children under 2 are free. Adults may pick up a complimentary Child ticket at the Box Office on the day of the event.
Do I have to wear a mask?
No, they are recommended but not required.
Is there accessible seating available?
Yes! Zellerbach Auditorium is wheelchair accessible. Seats will be roped off for guests using wheelchairs or scooters and their companions.
Will there be live captioning?
Yes! Live Closed Captions are provided for this event by a Real-Time Captioner. Closed captioning in English, Spanish, and traditional Mandarin is standard in our venues and a confirmed QR code will be provided as soon as it is available. Additional Languages available by Request. Please contact evelet@berkeley.edu to request another language by April 18.
Will the event be Livestreamed?
Yes! It will be Livestreamed via the Berkeley Events YouTube page.
Are the graduating students' names called at the Rhetoric Commencement ceremony?
Yes! All graduates will be individually recognized and called up on stage.
Are diplomas given out at the ceremony?
No. Attending the commencement ceremony does not mean that a student has graduated. Some students attend the ceremony in May and will not finish all degree requirements until the end of summer session or the following Fall semester. The ceremony is strictly celebratory.
How are diplomas received?
It takes up to four months for all of the degree checks and verifications to be processed. Diplomas are not mailed automatically because students often leave Berkeley without updating their addresses. Students can arrange for a final transcript and diploma to be sent to them by visiting the Office of Registrar's website.
Where and when is the University Convocation?
Convocation, the University graduation Ceremony, will be held Saturday, May 17 at California Memorial Stadium. All graduating students (regardless of their major) are welcome to attend this event. This is a ticketed event. Find more information here: UC Berkeley Commencement.