Graduate Studies is thrilled to announce the 2024 Graduate Studies Commencement, which will take place on Thursday, June 13 at the University Credit Union Center. But starting this year we’re changing things up a bit. So, what’s different and what’s staying the same?

What’s Changing?

1. Two ceremonies instead of only one.

In a departure from years past, Graduate Studies is hosting two distinct ceremonies. This new model is designed to honor the unique paths our graduate students take to their degrees and ensure that each graduate’s achievements are highlighted in a way that feels personal and profound. Both ceremonies will happen on the same day and in the same location – but the timing is different depending on the type of degree a graduate student has earned.

Here are the details:

Master’s Ceremony

Date: Thursday, June 13

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: University Credit Union Center

Line-Up: Please assemble in Hutchison Field South by 9:00 a.m. in full regalia.

 

M.F.A. and Doctoral Ceremony

Date: Thursday, June 13

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: University Credit Union Center

Line-Up: Please assemble in Hutchison Field South by 2:00 p.m. in full regalia.

It’s critical that graduate students (and faculty members) attend the correct ceremony corresponding to the correct degree type to make these events run smoothly. If graduate students, faculty, or staff members have any questions about this new format, don’t hesitate to reach out to gradcommencement@ucdavis.edu.

 

2. M.F.A. graduating students will now be hooded.

For the first time, students graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree will be hooded, similar to the way doctoral graduating students are hooded. This addition speaks to the fact that the M.F.A. degree is a terminal degree, and it symbolically recognizes the creative and academic achievements of our M.F.A. degree recipients.

Doctoral degree recipients will continue to be honored with the hooding tradition just like in years past, signifying their exceptional scholarship and successful defense of their dissertations.

 

3. Each graduating student will receive eight tickets for friends and family.

All registered students will receive up to eight guest tickets to attend the in-person ceremony. Guest tickets are managed by the Aggie Ticket Box Office. Ticket registration information can be found in the student confirmation email. 

 

What’s Staying the Same?

1. Registration is the same.

The process for registering and obtaining regalia will remain unchanged – for both graduate students and faculty members. Registration for the 2024 Graduate Studies Commencement will open on February 26.

Students can visit the Commencement website to check eligibility requirements. Registration to participate in Commencement is required by May 9. Regalia for students is available for purchase through the UC Davis Stores, with rental options available starting on March 1. 

Faculty members will have until May 9 to register as a Master’s Program Deputy (MPD), or sign in to respond to the request to be a faculty presenter for Doctoral students. Faculty are responsible for acquiring, bringing and returning their own academic regalia, and they should coordinate with their department to reserve their regalia through Supply Chain Management by April 22. Late orders will be accepted through May 12 with a late fee.

 

2. The celebration is as important as ever.

Despite the changes, Graduate Studies is committed to ensuring that the sense of community and the joy of collective accomplishment shine through the entire Commencement experience.

Stay Informed

As we look forward to these enhanced ceremonies, we encourage all eligible graduate students to check out our Commencement details and register early. If you have questions, contact the Commencement Coordinator.

Congratulations to each member of the 2024 graduating class! Your unwavering dedication and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge have led to this moment, and it is with great anticipation that we look forward to honoring your achievements.