How to Participate December Graduates Convocation

*****ATTENTION***** Zellerbach tickets are sold out please refer to the main December Graduates page for additional information

Each participating graduate will need to purchase a ticket to participate in the procession. You must have your ticket with you on the day of the convocation to walk in the procession.

How much are tickets? Where do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are $2 each. To purchase tickets:

• Purchase tickets at the Grad Fair on Monday, November 20 at the Alumni House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  
• 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).
  
• 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.

What/When/Where is Grad Fair?

Monday, November 20, 2006
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alumni House

Grad Fair is a free festival designed to assist all December graduating seniors during their final days at Cal. At the Grad Fair, graduates may purchase convocation tickets and receive information regarding cap and gown rentals, senior memorabilia, and more.
Read more about Grad Fair.

Arrival Time
On the day of the ceremony graduates must arrive in Zellerbach Auditorium no later than 8:30 a.m. As the graduate turns in his or her ticket, he/she will receive a name card. Graduates will each fill out a name card listing their name with the phonetic spelling that will be used by the announcer as the graduate crosses the stage. Graduates may also have a photograph taken by professional photographer in the lobby (more information to follow).

Lining Up
Graduates will line up in the mezzanine of Zellerbach Hall. The order of the procession will be: undergraduate degree candidates, master’s degree candidates, Ph.D. degree candidates, and the stage party. Graduates do not need to be in alphabetical order. Marshals will direct the graduates.

Processional
Undergraduates will enter the auditorium and then take the seats in the front rows. Marshals will then direct each row to go up to the stage. Graduates will be recognized individually by being called to the stage. Each name will be read from a card that the candidate will have filled out while lining up for the processional, and each will cross the stage and receive a scroll. A photograph will be taken and the candidate will be directed back to his/her seat by the marshals.

After the closing remarks, the marshal will lead the recessional of graduates. The audience is asked to remain seated until the recessional has been completed.

Tassel
The tassel should be on the right side of the cap prior to the ceremony and will be moved to the left side during the ceremony as directed by the Chancellor.

For questions about these instructions, please contact Helena Weiss-Duman by email or by calling 888/UNIV-CAL (888/864-8225).

The degree list is how you officially signal the university that you are ready to graduate and are in the process of completing your final courses for your degree. In order to graduate, you must add yourself to the degree term (the spring, summer, or fall) in which you expect to complete all of your degree requirements (e.g., college, double major, minors, incompletes). Visit registrar.berkeley.edu.

Cap & Gown

When and where can I rent and pick up my regalia?

Rent your regalia at the Graduation Department on the ground floor of the Cal Student Store beginning November 13. Store hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you wish to purchase additional graduation-related items, the Cal Student Store is offering various graduation packages that include items such as announcements, thank you cards, diploma covers, and regalia rental.

How much does it cost?

Bachelor — $40 + tax (includes gown rental and purchase of cap and tassel)

Master — $65 + tax (includes gown and hood rental and purchase of cap and tassel)

Ph.D. — $69 + tax (includes gown rental, and purchase of cap and tassel)

When and where do I return my regalia?

If you do not return your regalia to the Cal Student Store by December 15, you will be charged a progressive late fee.

• During the lineup prior to the ceremony, a staff member will be present to place you in the correct order. As you proceed into Zellerbach Hall, your hood should be draped over your arm.
  
• 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. If your thesis professor is absent, Chancellor Birgeneau will hood you. Once you have received your hood, return to your seat.
  
• If you have any questions about these instructions, please contact Helena Weiss-Duman by email or by calling 888/UNIV-CAL (888/864-8225).