Visa Support Letters

Undergraduates may request a letter of support for family members planning to attend the commencement ceremonies on the undergraduate commencement participation website. Requests can be submitted through the online registration system. Please submit a separate request form for each individual family member and allow one week for processing. You will receive your letter by email once it is complete.

For more information about visitor visas, please see the State Department’s website.

Arrival Time & Location

Students should arrive one hour prior to ceremony start time. Students in the College of Letters and Science will line up in the ARC Ballrooms. Students in the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Biological Sciences will line up in ARC Room 138 (formally known as the MAC room).

Cap and Gown

UC Davis Regalia is mandatory for graduates, and the University reserves the right to refuse admission to students who do not comply with this requirement. Cap and gown rentals are done through the UC Davis Stores.

Parking

Parking is available in Lot #25, the Pavilion Parking Structure, Lot #35, and Lot #40 and Lot #41. Please arrive early enough to park and get to the student line up area by the designated time. See the campus map or the Pavilion map for the location of parking areas. Please note that a portion of lot #25 is reserved for guests with government issued ADA placards.

Food and Beverage

Undergraduates will have water provided for them on the field during line up and in the rear of the Pavilion floor once they are inside.

Any student perceived as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be detained or removed from the ceremony by staff and/or security for further investigation.

Internal Server Error

The server encountered an internal error and was unable to complete your request. Either the server is overloaded or there is an error in the application.

UCD P&P Manual Chapter 380, Section 18) Students violating this policy may be excluded from privileges and activities when there is reasonable cause to believe that their conduct 1) threatens the safety of themselves and others on University property or at University functions; and/or 2) disrupts the orderly operation of the campus. (Adapted from UC Board of Regents Policy on Student Conduct & Discipline)

Special Accommodations

Students requiring special accommodations should contact their commencement coordinator directly or contact the Student Disability Center.

Graduate Courtesy and Safety

UC Davis is very proud of the accomplishments of each and every student, and we want the ceremony to be a pleasant experience for all. We ask that you respect the rights and feelings of other participants and guests by remaining in your seat until all of the candidates have been recognized and the ceremony has concluded.

In consideration of the graduates, speakers, and the safety of all guests, the following is prohibited:

• Children seated with graduates
• Air horns, beach balls or other distracting items
• Balloons
• Banners and signs
• Tobacco products
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Weapons of any kind including firearms and knives
• Drones (UAS - Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or other model aircraft
• Animals except for registered guide dogs
• Tripods (monopods are allowed)

Safety inspections will be conducted before students enter the Pavilion.

Any prohibited items found in the venue will be confiscated. Additionally, pagers and cell phones should be turned off or to silent mode during the ceremony. NOTE: Strollers are not prohibited but they are inspected and checked at the door to prevent them from blocking the walk ways. Checked strollers are available for pick up at the Guest Services desk.

UC Davis makes a special effort to ensure that our commencement is a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved. Students, parents, faculty and alumni have indicated their wish to have commencement conducted in an appropriately ceremonial atmosphere, and we ask for the cooperation of you and your guests.

Any person found to be intoxicated or carrying drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the premises and may be subject to arrest by the police.

UC Davis promotes an environment where all feel welcome and respected. We observe the following:

Accessibility  |  Tobacco Free Policy  |  Principles of Community