Undergraduate Program

Commencement Celebration

The College of Letters and Science Commencement ceremony is on Friday, June 12, at 5:00 PM in Pauley Pavilion.

The Physiological Science Commencement ceremony is on Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 AM in the Court of Sciences (courtyard between Young and Boelter Halls). Refreshments will be served and seating will be available on first come, first served basis.


IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE PHY SCI COMMENCMENT CEREMONY YOU MUST DOWNLOAD, COMPLETE, AND RETURN THE "GRADUATION INFORMATION SHEET" TO THE PHY SCI STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE BY MAY 22. LINKS TO GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE CEREMONY, TICKETS, THE SENIOR SURVEY, AND THE "GRADUATION INFORMATION SHEET" ARE BELOW. IF YOU DO NOT RETURN THE "GRADUATION INFORMATION SHEET" YOUR NAME WILL NOT BE ANNOUNCED AT THE CEREMONY. UNDERGRADUATES, PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD, COMPLETE, AND RETURN THE SENIOR SURVEY.

Why do I need to fill out the "Graduation Information Sheet"?

We need to know you are coming. We will generate a script and a list of names from the information you provide. You will be asked to print your name and indicate how your name is pronounced. We will also ask you for a short personal statement (2-3 sentences) which will be read during the ceremony. We reserve the right to edit the length and content as necessary. Examples of topics for the personal statement: thanking friends and family, plans after graduation, a notable quote, etc. Also, please indicate how many guests will be attending the ceremony. If you have received any awards, published a research paper, presented a paper or poster at a conference, please let us know. This information will be included in the ceremony program. FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO THE "GRADUATION INFORMATION SHEET"

Graduation Information Sheet


When will I receive information about the Departmental ceremony?

Your invitation to attend the Physiological Science ceremony and general information regarding the ceremony is available at this link:

Graduation Invitation

Make sure you have declared your Degree Expected Term and updated your mailing address and email address on URSA. If you plan to participate in this year's celebration, please return all of the necessary paperwork to the department as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact the Undergraduate Office at 310-825-3892.

Why do I need to fill out the Senior Survey?

Information compiled from the Senior Survey is useful to the faculty to assess the quality of the undergraduate curriculum and to identify areas needing improvement. Your response is anonymous.

Senior Survey


Do I need tickets to bring guests to the celebration?

Tickets are required. Commencement ticket ordering through MyUCLA begins on Tuesday, April 28 and ends on Wednesday, May 13. You will receive notifications through MyUCLA about these deadlines. The first 4 tickets are complimentary. Any additional tickets will be charged to your BAR account at a cost of each. Each student intending to participate in the official College Commencement ceremony in Pauley Pavilion on Friday, June 12, must order a complimentary student ticket for himself/herself by May 13.

How do I get tickets to the Phy Sci Ceremony?


What will I do after arriving at the Court of Sciences for the Departmental ceremony?

STUDENTS MUST CHECK WITH INNA AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. Front rows of the seating area will be reserved for the graduates. No particular order is required. Family and friends will find their own seats in the audience section. Please try to arrive early.


What will happen during the celebration?

The department chair will open the program with an opening statement, introducing the faculty, and then will turn the celebration over to the graduate advisors who will announce the Ph.D. and M.S. graduates. The winners of the Undergraduate Outstanding Senior Award and Undergraduate Poster Session Award will be announced. Each undergraduate student name will be announced and your statement read. Students will stand up in place to be recognized.


How do I know if I am eligible to participate in the 2009 College Commencement ceremony and/or the Physiological Science Department Commencement ceremony?

  • If you graduated in Fall 2008 or Winter 2009, you are eligible to participate in the 2008 College Commencement ceremony and the Physiological Science Department Commencement ceremony.
  • If you are a Spring 2009 or Summer 2009 candidate for a bachelor's degree, you are eligible to participate if you have completed 148 units by the end of Winter Quarter 2009; AND have declared candidacy for Spring 2009 (the deadline to declare without penalty is April 10, 2009), or for Summer 2009 (the deadline to declare is April 24, 2009).

Fall 2009 graduates are not eligible to participate in the College Commencement ceremony without filing a Special Inclusion Petition (SIP) as described below, but may participate in the Physiological Science Department ceremony.

  • If you plan to complete your degree requirements in Fall Quarter 2009, you are not automatically eligible to participate in or receive guest tickets for the 2009 College Commencement ceremony. To participate in the 2009 College Commencement as a Fall 2009 graduate you must file a Special Inclusion Petition (SIP). You will be automatically eligible to participate in the 2010 College Commencement ceremony in June of 2010. But, as stated above, Fall 2009 graduates may participate in the Physiological Science Department Commencement ceremony, without petition.

Special Inclusion Petition

  • Students with an official degree expected term of Fall 2009 may participate in the 2009 College Commencement ceremony if they are unable to participate in the 2010 College Commencement and if they have completed at least 148 units by the end of Winter 2009 and submit a Special Inclusion Petition (SIP).

To submit an SIP, qualified students must follow the following procedures:

  1. Login to URSA in order to verify that your Degree Expected Term is Fall 2009. Only once your candidacy is confirmed by the Registrar's Office will you be eligible to submit a Special Inclusion Petition.
  2. After April 10th, login to MyUCLA and select "Commencement" from the MyUCLA Features menu (only eligible students will receive this menu option).
  3. Follow the SIP instructions as prompted and wait for the petition to be reviewed.

The deadline to submit a Special Inclusion Petition is May 8, 2009.


Where can I get information on the College of Letters and Science Commencement Ceremony?

For information regarding the College of Letters & Science Ceremony call the College of Letters and Science Commencement Hot Line at 310-206-1232 or go to http://www.college.ucla.edu/commencement/


Will I receive my diploma during the celebration?

Official transcripts, with your graduation date included, will be available for a fee of $   6 per copy within two months after the end of the final term. Transcripts can be ordered online through URSA at www.ursa.ucla.edu. The transcript request form is available at www.registrar.ucla.edu or can be obtained from the Registrar's office, 1134 Murphy Hall.

Diplomas will be available about four months after the degree award date. The Registrar's Office will send you information about obtaining your diploma in person (no fee) or by mail (fee charged) about two months after the end of your final quarter.

You should notify the Registrar at 1113 Murphy Hall if your address changes after you graduate. You may also change your mailing address directly through URSA.

For up-to-date diploma availability information, call the Diploma Hotline at (310) 825-8883.


Can pictures be taken at the celebration?

Yes. Please do so before and after the ceremony.


What should I wear to the graduation event?

Please make sure to wear your cap and gown to the Physiological Science Ceremony.

Your cap and gown may be purchased from Graduation, Etc., which is located on the "A" level of Ackerman Union. Store hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

You can purchase your cap and gown until a week before graduation.

You can also visit the online store at www.uclastore.com. For more information, see the Cap & Gown section of this website.


Will special provisions be made for students and guests with physical disabilities?

If you or any of your guests have a disability and need special assistance, please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at 310-825-1501 (voice) or 310-206-6083 (TDD) as soon as possible to receive information about parking and other assistance at the commencement events. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.


Where can I get information about parking?

Current UCLA permit holders will be able to park in their assigned spots without additional cost. Pre-paid Commencement Parking Permits will be available for purchase ($   9 per permit). Check with Parking & Commuter Services, located on the first floor of 501 Westwood Plaza from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday - Friday. You can contact them at 310-825-9871 or at http://www.commencement.ucla.edu/parking.cfm


updated 3-25-2009