Over 9,000 students will receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Berkeley this May in 53 ceremonies representing 78 departments, schools, and colleges.

Most take place the weekends of May 15-16 and May 21-24, when Cal looks forward to welcoming thousands of proud family members and friends.

Speakers at this year's commencements include Miguel Angel Rodriguez, PhD '66, president of Costa Rica (Economics); Armistead Maupin, author and columnist (English); Steven Chu, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics (Astronomy/Physics/Physical Sciences); J. Michael Bishop, UCSF Chancellor (Molecular and Cell Biology); and Jacquelynn Baas, Director, Berkeley Art Museum (Art Practice).

Graduating seniors received commencement information from their major departments in February. All questions regarding commencement should be directed to the student's home department.

Academic regalia for undergraduates may be rented from the Cal Student Store for $25.94. Students can keep the cap and tassel for souvenirs.

Commencement Convocation, an event for seniors organized by the Senior Class Council, will take place May 11. Author Terry McMillan, '77, will be the featured speaker. Graduating seniors will receive information about the event in April, which honors the University Medalist and other outstanding seniors.

The town of Berkeley gears up every year for graduation festivities and visiting families, but advance reservations for most restaurants and hotels are a must. A listing of local accommodations and restaurants was included in the summer 1998 issue of Letter Home.

For additional information about the city and places to stay, contact the Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-847-4823, bconvis@ix.netcom.com or www.berkeleycvb.com.