Frequently Asked Questions - Guests and Family December Graduates Convocation

The University of California, Berkeley is pleased that you are able to attend the graduation ceremony of your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, coworker, or friend. Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions.

Q: When and where is the December Graduates Convocation?
A: The ceremony will be on Saturday, December 9 at 10 a.m. in Zellerbach Auditorium. Students must arrive and line up by 8:30 a.m.

Q: How long is the ceremony?
A: The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, followed by a reception in the Zellerbach Mezzanine.

Q: Where is the reception?
A: The reception will follow the ceremony and will be held in the Zellerbach Mezzanine. Light refreshments will be served.

Q: How long is the reception?
A: About 30 to 40 minutes.

Q: Where can I get information about dining and lodging?
A: For a listing of restaurants and hotels in the Berkeley area, please refer to the Grad Guide 2006 for more information.

Q: Where is the best place to park?
A: Follow this link for parking information.

Q: What time should I arrive at Zellerbach Auditorium?
A: Doors will open for guests at 9:00 a.m.

Q: Will I/we need tickets for Commencement? How much are tickets?
A: Yes. All graduates and guests must have a ticket to enter Zellerbach Auditorium. Tickets are $2 each.

Q: How can I get tickets? ZELLARBACH TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT PLEASE REFER TO THE MAIN DGC PAGE FOR OVERFLOW FACILITY INFORMATION.
A: Tickets are $2 each for tickets. Each participating graduate will need to purchase a ticket to participate in the procession.

To purchase tickets, you may purchase tickets at the Graduation Fair on Monday, November 20 at the Alumni House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After October 5, you may purchase and pick up tickets at the Cal Performances ticket window at Zellerbach Auditorium; order tickets over the phone at 510-642-9988 (additional fees will apply); or order tickets online at tickets.berkeley.edu (additional fees will apply). On the day of the Convocation, any available tickets will be for sale at the Zellerbach Auditorium ticket office.

Q: Do children need tickets?
A: Yes, only children under 2 who will sit on an adult’s lap do not need a ticket.

Q: Will there be a photographer?
A: Yes. Graduates may have their photo taken in the lobby of Zellerbach before the ceremony. More information to follow.

Q: I want to give my student flowers. Where can I get some?
A: There are many flower vendors close to campus.

Q: Are the graduating students' names called at the convocation ceremony?
A: Yes. All graduates will be individually recognized and called up on stage.

Q: Our family name is hard to pronounce. What can we do?
A: Students are asked to spell their names phonetically on their name cards. We try to get it right.

Q: Are diplomas given out at the ceremony?
A: No. Attending a commencement ceremony does not mean that a student actually graduated. Some students attend the December ceremony though they will not finish all degree requirements until a later semester. The ceremony takes place before final grades for the fall semester are filed. The ceremony is strictly a celebratory ritual.

Q: How does the graduate get a diploma?
A: It takes up to four months for all the checks and verifications to clear. 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 http://registrar.berkeley.edu/Records/diplomas.html.

Q: Who is the keynote speaker?
A: NASA engineer and Cal alumnus Wayne Lee ’90 will be featured. Read more about Wayne Lee.

Q: What if my guest(s) or I need special accommodations?
A: Disabled students or guests (e.g., those in wheelchairs, who have vision or hearing difficulties, etc.) should contact Celeste Colbert Stanley at 510-642-7026 to arrange for special accommodations.

Q: If the gradate attends the December Graduates Convocation, can he/she also attend the department ceremony in the spring or the university-wide May Commencement Convocation?
A: Yes.