FAQ Guests

No. Guests do not need tickets, however, there is only enough seating for an average of four guests per graduate. 

Aside from a roped-off section for our VIP guests, grads and dignitaries, all seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saving seats will be allowed as space permits.

Bring sunscreen! June in Los Angeles is usually quite warm, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s, though those temperatures typically drop in the mornings and evening.

We recommend dressing in layers or wearing a light jacket or wrap that can be easily removed as the temperature rises. Please visit https://weather.atmos.ucla.edu/ for current weather conditions.

There's no dress code for this event though we suggest that guests dress for comfort and for weather changes. We recommend wearing layers or a light jacket if the forecast predicts cooler weather, and comfortable shoes (don't underestimate the size of the campus). 

Please, no large hats and definitely no umbrellas. 

You can count on it.  We highly recommend that you allot extra time to travel to campus. June is a busy time on campus; in addition to the Anderson School's celebrations, undergrads will be moving out of the dorms and there will be other end-of-year activities taking place, so many guests will be visiting the UCLA  throughout the day.

Yes, provided space is available. The nearest drop-off location to Wilson Plaza is near the entrance of Parking Structure 4. Out of consideration to others we ask that drivers not use this area as a parking space. Once your passengers are safely unloaded, please move onto your parking destination.

The closest parking structure to Wilson Plaza is Lot 4 which is located on Westwood Plaza just south of Sunset Blvd. Lots 3 and 7 are also within a reasonable walking distance.

All parking lots and structures on the UCLA campus will be open and staffed throughout Commencement Weekend. Parking is $13 per vehicle. Oversized vehicle parking is available at Lot 36 at the corner of Wilshire and Veteran Boulevards. Pre-paid parking permits may also be purchased in advance either from the  UCLA Central Ticket Office (CTO) or from UCLA Parking Services.

Don't forget to take note of the parking lot and level that you parked on. UCLA has many parking lots and structures and all structures are multi-level complexes. We suggest that you write down the lot and level number of where you parked. Or better still, take a photo from your smartphone of the area. This will help you find your way back to your car.

Click here for directions. 

Yes, Wilson Plaza is ADA-compliant. Guests using wheelchairs may sit at the end of rows. There will be house staff on-site who can assist with removing seats at the ends of rows to facilitate accessibility. 

We ask that guests be seated no later than 3:30 p.m. The processional of our graduates will start shortly thereafter with the ceremony itself beginning at 4:00 p.m. and concluding by 6:00 p.m.

Keep in mind that it will be a busy day on campus, and we ask that guests arrive with time to spare to allow for traffic and parking delays. 

Unfortunately, but there is no shade at Wilson Plaza. Guests should dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen.

Unfortunately, we can't allow guests to wear giant hats or carry umbrellas. We want everyone to be able to see the ceremony, right?

Aside from a roped-off section for our VIP guests, grads and dignitaries, all seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saving seats will be allowed as space permits.

We understand that balloons are festive and celebratory, but we'd appreciate it if they were presented to your graduate before or after the ceremony, and that they remain in your car as they can obstruct the view of the stage. 

Sorry, but pets are not allowed at the ceremony. 

Why of course! For fire safety reasons, please leave your tripods at home, and please don't cross the barricades to sneak a shot of your graduate.

Professional photographers from GradImages, Inc. Photography, will be on hand to photograph each graduate at the ceremony. They will email each graduate within a few days with links to their website where pictures will be available for purchase.We think you'll be impressed with the quality of these professional photographs, so feel free to enjoy the ceremony knowing that the moment will be captured. 

We want our guests to be comfortable. There will be complimentary water dispensers and cups available at Wilson Plaza. Bottled water (as well as soft drinks and snacks) may be purchased at one of the UCLA Store locations throughout the campus.

And while we understand that the consumption of alcohol may help liven up the celebratory tone of the day; it is not allowed at our ceremony and is best left at home.

After the ceremony, there will be a reception where Prosecco, non-alcoholic beverages, and an assortment of appetizers will be served.

Kaufman Hall, which is just north of Wilson Plaza, will have restrooms available on the 1st floor of their main entrance (best for ADA accessibility) as will the Student Activities Center building on the opposite side of Wilson Plaza. The Anderson School restroom facilities will also be available though they are a bit of a walk from Wilson Plaza. 

Of course. Out of consideration for others however, we ask that strollers not be left in aisles or walkways.

There will be two giant screens (one on either side of the stage) which will broadcast the ceremony for all to enjoy.

Each family will be provided with one program from the house staff when they arrive. You'll be welcome to take any extras after the ceremony ends.

After the ceremony, there will be a reception where Prosecco, non-alcoholic beverages, and an assortment of appetizers will be served.

There is no formal structure to the reception and guests may leave when they wish. In prior years, guests start making their way to their cars around 7:00-7:30pm to continue the celebrations elsewhere.

Sorry, but copies of the ceremony recording are not available for purchase or download, however, we will make the broadcasts available on our YouTube channel.