FAQ
For information specific to our UCLA Samueli ceremonies please read the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) and check regularly for updates as we continue to add information!
GENERAL INFO
How do I write a letter in support of my guests’ visa application?
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
What are the COVID-19 protocols?
There is currently no plan to check for vaccination status or negative COVID test results at commencement events. Facial coverings are encouraged but not required.
Samueli Engineering is adhering to the UCLA COVID-19 website(link is external) guidelines for our commencement ceremonies, which continues to strongly recommend masking for indoor venues.
For more information on UCLA’s current COVID protocols please visit the UCLA COVID-19 website(link is external) and continue to monitor the official campus commencement Covid guidelines posted at Campus Commencement FAQs.
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
A complete list of all current campus protocols addressing COVID-19 testing, exposure management and isolation/quarantine guidelines and protocols can be viewed on the UCLA COVID-19 website(link is external)
What if I am traveling to UCLA from out of state?
Those who plan to attend should stay informed about the California Department of Public Health’s and LA County Department of Public Health’s most recent guidelines.
PRE-CEREMONY STUDENT ARRIVAL
When and where do the graduates arrive?
Graduates participating in the ceremony should report to the student line-up to gather and prepare for their processional into to Pauley Pavilion. Please arrive promptly and allow yourself enough time for parking and security check-in.
WHERE: The Los Angeles Tennis Center (LATC) enter via GATE B, across from Drake Stadium on Bruin Walk
WHEN: No later than 1 Hour before your ceremony start.
- 11:30 AM for the BS Ceremony on Saturday, June 17th
- 12:30 PM for the PhD, MEng, MS Ceremony on Sunday, June 18th
What do I need to have with me on the day of the commencement?
- STUDENT TICKET (REQUIRED) – on your phone is perfect or PDF ready to scan!
- CAP AND GOWN (REQUIRED) – Make sure you are dressed in your cap and gown and that you are appropriately dressed beneath that.
- PHOTO ID (REQUIRED)- Make sure you bring your UCLA BRUIN CARD OR Government Issued Photo ID
- NAME CARD/PHOTO CARD – see ceremony details for why you need this. If you forget, we will have extras available for you, but it will save time if you bring it pre-filled out.
Bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and other large items are not allowed at the lineup. Please arrange to leave these with your guests, or leave them in a secure location to retrieve after the ceremony. Additionally, we ask that you abide by the following Pauley Pavillion restricted items.
Pauley Ushers, Security, and Staff will be on alert. and have been advised to remove such items from you. In order to ensure your safety and the safety of others, any individual whose behavior becomes potentially harmful or interferes with the Ceremony may be required to leave the Ceremony.
GUEST INFORMATION
When and where do guests enter?
WHERE: PAULEY PAVILION
- Guests can enter through the North entrance (across Lot 7) or East Entrance (by the Westwood Blvd turnaround)
- There will be an ADA Guest Entrance on the Northeast corner.
WHEN: We expect doors to Pauley to open at least one hour prior. Please allow yourself enough time for parking and security check-in at Pauley.
- 11:30 AM for the BS Ceremony on Saturday, June 17th
- 12:30 PM for the PhD, MEng, MS Ceremony on Sunday, June 18th
Do all guests need tickets?
- All guests will need a ticket to gain entry into Pauley Pavilion
- Children Age 2 and under do not need need tickets.
- Please refer to the UCLA Campus Commencement FAQ for additional information (select UCLA 2023 Commencement Guest Information).
CEREMONY INFO
When will my name be called?
Students will be processing and walking across the stage by degree (PhD, MS, BS). This means 2 things.
- If you want to graduate with your friends and they are in all different majors, you can! There will be multiple lines processing into Pauley Pavillion; just enter the same line together for your best chance at sitting together and crossing the stage at a similar time.
- You may need to give your guests a heads up when your turn is coming up. When staff (an usher or student marshal) gives you the signal, follow their directions to get into the line to cross the stage. Once there, that is the perfect time to signal your guests!
How can I make sure my name is called and pronounced correctly? (NAME/PHOTO CARD)
You will be filling out a two sided Name/Photo Card that you will take with you to the stage.
- SIDE ONE is your Name Card. This is what the announcer will read as you cross the stage. There are 2 lines to fill out here: 1) Print Your Name
2) Print a Phonetic spelling/pronunciation of your name. PLEASE follow the Phonetic spelling instructions guidelines. Tip: Have a stranger read it, did they pronounce your name correctly? - SIDE TWO is your Photo card information so that Grad Images can track your photo and position in the line. You are not obligated to purchase photos, but you MUST fill this side out as well so that your photo and name do not get mixed up!
DURING FINALS WEEK STUDENTS CAN COME TO 6426 BOELTER HALL TO PICK UP A NAME CARD EARLY!
We are open 8AM-5PM and closed for lunch 12PM-1PM everyday. Please ask for the NAME CARD at the front desk.
How do I know if my name will be called at the ceremony?
ALL STUDENTS that are participating in the commencement ceremony will have their name called at the ceremony they attend.
Only Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 Graduating Students are printed in the program brochure. Students outside this range that have been approved to participate in their respective ceremony WILL have their name called as they cross the stage.
How long is the ceremony?
Undergraduates (BS) – Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2.5 – 3 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
All students participating will have their names read, will cross the stage, and have photos taken by Grad Images (the official campus photo team)
Graduates (MS/MENG/PHD) – Sunday, June 18, 2022 1:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
All students participating will have their names read, will cross the stage, and have photos taken by Grad Images (the official campus photo team)
Additionally, PHD students will be hooded on stage.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Students who elect to participate in commencement agree to remain for the full length of the ceremony out of respect for your fellow students and their families.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will be live streamed. Please regularly check our main page www.commencement.seas.ucla.edu as we get closer to the event as the main page will be updated to display the livestream countdown.
Undergraduates (BS) – Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2.5-3 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
Graduates (MS/MENG/PHD) – Sunday, June 18, 2022 1:30PM – 3:30PM (estimated 2 hours subject to # of degree candidates in attendance)
