FAQ Guests

General Guest FAQ

Do I need a ticket?

Tickets are not needed for our ceremony. However, due to space limitations at Wilson Plaza, we are allowing up to 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.

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Do I need to go through a COVID-19 verification process?

There is currently no plan to check for vaccination status or negative COVID test results at commencement events. Facial coverings are encouraged but not required. For more information on UCLA's current COVID protocols please visit the UCLA COVID-19 website.

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What will the weather be like?

June in Los Angeles is usually quite warm, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Mornings can be chilly with the typical Southern California late-night and early-morning low clouds. The campus at UCLA is fairly large, and we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You should dress in layers or wear a light jacket or wrap that can be easily removed as the temperature rises. Please visit www.atmos.ucla.edu for current weather conditions. 

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What must I leave at home?

Please observe the following restrictions for our graduation celebration activities:

  • No large hats or umbrellas
  • No balloons
  • No pets
  • No large bags, backpacks, large purses or items larger than 12” X 12”
  • No firearms, knives, explosives or other weapons
  • No cans, coolers or other containers, except in cases of medical need, as certified by a physician
  • No artificial noise-makers, air horns or megaphones
  • No large signs, flags, poles, banners or laser pointers
  • No promotional items with commercial slogans or identification
  • No food or drink, except bottled water
  • Inspections of small receptacles (e.g., bags) might be required as you enter event venues.
  • These policies are subject to change without notice.
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What should I wear?

There’s no dress code for this event, although we suggest that guests dress for comfort and for weather changes. Please do not wear any large hats or bring any umbrellas. We want everyone to be able to see the ceremony.

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Will there be lots of traffic?

You can count on it, so we ask that you allot extra time to travel to campus.

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Where should I park?

The closest parking structure to Annenberg Stadium and Wilson Plaza is Lot 4, which is located on Westwood Plaza just south of Sunset Blvd. All parking lots and structures on the UCLA campus will be open and staffed throughout commencement weekend. You can purchase tickets in advance via Bruin ePermit System.

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Is there special seating for my wheelchair-bound guests?

There will be house staff on-site who can assist with seating needs for any wheelchair-bound guest.

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When do I need to be at Wilson Plaza?

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.

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Is there shade at Wilson Plaza?

Sorry, but there is no shade at Wilson Plaza. Guests should dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen, but please do not wear any giant hats or bring any umbrellas. We would like everyone to be able to see the ceremony.

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Is there reserved seating?

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. 

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Can I bring balloons?

We understand that balloons are festive and celebratory, but we would like everyone to be able to see the ceremony.

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Can I bring my pet with me?

Sorry, but pets are not allowed at the ceremony.
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Can I photograph and videotape the event?

Of course! All we ask, though, for fire and life safety reasons, is that you not bring tripods.

Professional photographers from GradImages will be photographing 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 photographs.

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Will there be anything to drink? Can I bring alcohol?

Bottled water (as well as soft drinks and snacks) may be purchased at one of the UCLA Store locations throughout 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. 

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Are there restrooms at Wilson Plaza?

There will be no portable restrooms at Wilson Plaza. However, Kaufman Hall, which is just north of Wilson Plaza, will have restrooms available on the first floor of its main entrance (best for ADA accessibility), and restrooms will be available in the Student Activities Center 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.

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How will I see my loved one on stage from so far away?

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

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I can’t attend in person. Will the event be broadcast live? Can I view it later?

Yes to both! Guests can watch the ceremony live from the comfort of their homes. The live ceremony will be broadcast here on the day of the event.

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How long is the ceremony?

We estimate that the ceremony should take approximately two hours.

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What will you be serving at the reception afterwards?

Guests will be able to toast to their grad’s success with prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages, and nibble on an assortment of light appetizers.
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How long will the reception last?

There is no formal structure to the reception, so guests may leave when they wish, though many start making their way to their cars around 7:30 p.m. to continue their celebrations elsewhere.
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