Academic Events

It's Commencement Time!

Spring 2006 | Thousands of proud family members and friends will flock to Berkeley from May 11 to 22 to applaud more than 9,000 students receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees this spring. Berkeley hosts a series of commencement ceremonies grouped according to academic discipline, so that students graduate with classmates they’ve studied with for years. Degrees are conferred at these ceremonies. A continually updated schedule is available online at http://seniors.berkeley.edu. Please note that all dates and times are subject to change.

Graduating seniors should have received commencement information from their major departments in February. Questions regarding a specific ceremony, including ticketing, parking, and arrangements for people with disabilities or other special needs, should be directed to your student’s major department (contact information is at the web site above). Students can rent academic regalia from the Cal Student Store for $40. The cap and tassel with commemorative date are theirs to keep.  

The campus also hosts a special event for graduates from all departments on May 10 at 4 p.m. in the Hearst Greek Theatre. The Commencement Convocation features a noted speaker and honors the University Medalist and other outstanding seniors. Details will be posted on the commencement web site, and graduating seniors will receive additional information in April.

Many visitors come to Berkeley in May, so advance reservations for hotels and restaurants are a must. The enclosed Visitor Guide, featuring a listing of local accommodations, city and campus sites, and other travel tips, will help you plan a visit.