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MBA, EMBA, FEMBA, Ph.D. Commencement

Into the Next
Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
MBA, EMBA, FEMBA & Ph.D.
Friday, June 12, 2020
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2019 Commencement Speaker

Bernard J. Tyson

Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente

During his 34-year career at Kaiser, Tyson has successfully managed all major aspects of the organization, serving in roles from hospital administrator to division president to president and chief operating officer of the Oakland, California-based national health care organization. 
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Ceremony Details

 
caps and gowns

Caps and Gowns

Each graduate must order their cap, gown, and announcements from Graduation, Etc. , either online or in person at Ackerman (Level A).

Full-Time MBA, & Doctoral Students must place their rental order no later than May 22, 2020. FEMBA students must place their orders directly with  Jason Amorosi at  Graduation, Etc. by Thursday, March 26. 

More Cap and Gown Information

Schedule

Ph.D. class photo: 2:00 p.m. - Gold Hall Atrium

FEMBA class photo: 2:30 p.m. - Briskin Plaza

EMBA class photo: 2:45 p.m. - Briskin Plaza

MBA class photo: 3:00 p.m. - Briskin Plaza

Line up for processional: 3:15 p.m.

Processional 3:40 p.m.

Ceremony: 4:00 p.m.

Reception: 6:00 p.m.

Learn More About Ceremony Logistics

Processional

At 3:15 p.m. graduates will begin lining up for the processional, which is scheduled to start at 3:40 p.m. Each degree program has its own processional line.

There is no assigned order to the processional so you can line up in the order of your choosing. Just make sure you are in your designated program's processional line.

No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Learn Where Your Program Will Line Up

Audience Seating Instructions

Although tickets are not required for the ceremony, there is only enough seating to accommodate four guests per graduate.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Guests must be seated by 3:30 p.m. Ushers will be available at Wilson Plaza to assist guests in need of wheelchair-accessible seating.

 

Parking

Students may use their parking pass if it is paid through the month of June.

Pre-paid commencement parking permits will be available at Transportation & Parking Services beginning April 29, 2019 and may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis.

We recommend parking in Lots 3, 4 and 7, the closest lots to the ceremony. 

More Parking Information

Stage Direction

Each doctoral candidate and his/her dissertation will be announced by the dean on stage. Doctoral graduates will return to their seats after being hooded. 

Ushers will indicate to all EMBA/FEMBA/MBA graduates when to stand and when to walk towards the stage. Names will be called from both the left and right sides of the stage. Each graduate will be photographed near the base of the steps leading to the stage, and will then hand his/her card to the name reader before walking towards center stage. 

More About What to Do on Stage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit with my friends? How long does the ceremony last? When will I get my diploma? Will there be a photographer?

We've got your answers here.

More Commencement Information for Students

More Commencement Information for Guests

Audience Seating Instructions

Although tickets are not required for the ceremony, there is only enough seating to accommodate four guests per graduate.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Ushers will be available at Wilson Plaza to assist guests in need of wheelchair-accessible seating.

Guests must be seated by 3:30 p.m. Because of heavy crowds, guests should plan to arrive on campus with time to spare. 

Schedule

Guests must be seated: 3:30 p.m.

Processional: 3:40 p.m.

Ceremony: 4:00 p.m.

Reception: 6:00 p.m.

Attendees should anticipate heavy traffic around campus. We recommend arriving early to secure general admission seating. 

Parking

Parking Structures 3, 4 and 7 are the closest lots to the ceremony.  Parking is $12 unless you have a parking permit. 

The closest passenger drop-off location to Wilson Plaza is near the entrance of Parking Structure 4. 

Drivers should anticipate heavy traffic in the hours before and after the ceremony.

More Parking Information

Hotels

There is no shortage of hotel options in the Los Angeles area, though we recommend making your arrangements sooner rather than later. For your convenience, we've compiled a list of popular area hotels.  

More Hotel Information 

Photographs

A comprehensive range of photographic services will be available from the official photographers and videographer. For the comfort of other guests, we request that your guests only take pictures from the seating area and outer perimeter, they may not come into the student seating area or into the center aisle as it can be disruptive and discourteous to other members of the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear? Can I take pictures? Can I bring a stroller?

We've got your answers here.

More Commencement Information for Guests

 

More Information

 
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