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Commencement 2016

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
Aldrich Park at UC Irvine

Commencement Speaker

Ambassador Carlos R. Moreno

Graduate Reflections

Wei Deng, Class of 2016

Caps & Gowns

2016 Grad Fair: The Class of 2016 Grad Fair will take place Monday, March 7, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Courtyard. At this time, graduates can be measured for their caps and gowns, and order graduation announcements. If you plan to walk at this year’s commencement, rental orders MUST be placed by Thursday, March 10 by clicking on “Regalia Order Form” below. Rental fee is $60 and you will be prompted to order by Tam (hat) size, and enter your measurements.

Regalia Order Form


Regalia Pick-Up: Regalia will be available to pick up in EDU 1121 on Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 during these times:

  • 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  • 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

You may only pick up your own regalia; be prepared to try on your cap and gown upon pickup to ensure all pieces fit properly.

Please note that Regalia will not be available on the day of Commencement.

Note that graduates are required to return their regalia immediately following the ceremony. A regalia return table will be set up at the Commencement Reception. Failure to return your regalia will result in a $400 fee by the vendor.

Ceremony & Reception Details

Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: All graduates must attend this rehearsal at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2016. Details to follow.

  • On the day of Commencement, graduates should arrive by 8:30 a.m., in full regalia, at Physical Sciences Plaza, between Rowland Hall and Reines Hall (see event map), to line up for the academic procession.
  • The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and will last 90 minutes.
  • A light reception will begin immediately after the ceremony in the Social Sciences Plaza.
  • Tickets will not be required to attend Commencement. Please see below for information on seating for guests with disabilities.
  • The ceremony will take place in a grassy area some distance from the parking lot. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Checklist for Graduates

Prior to Commencement

  1. Ensure that your name in Student Access appears as you would like it to appear on your diploma by Friday, March 25.
  2. Diplomas will be shipped to your permanent address listed in Student Access. Please be sure that your address is correct in Student Access by Friday, March 25. Note that the address for diploma mailing requires someone available there to sign for the diploma. Do not use a P.O. Box address.
  3. Graduates who have borrowed federal student loans should contact Nasreen Zia for an in-person exit interview session.
  4. Check your Zot Account for any outstanding fees (library fees or other outstanding fees) to avoid holds on your account.
  5. Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: All graduates must attend this rehearsal at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2016. Please meet at the Physical Sciences Plaza, between Rowland Hall and Reines Hall (see on event map).

Day of Commencement

  1. Graduates should arrive by 8:30 a.m., in full regalia to the Physical Sciences Plaza (see on map).
  2. Return your regalia immediately following the ceremony. A dropoff station will be set up at the Commencement Reception.
  3. Pick up your graduation gift from the Law Alumni Association table at the Commencement Reception.

Diplomas

You will not receive your actual diploma at Commencement. Detailed information about diplomas can be found here.

Directions & Parking

Aldrich Park is a 19-acre botanical garden in the center of the UC Irvine campus with more than 11,000 trees and shrubs. It has been the site of commencement ceremonies, inaugurations, weddings, concerts, picnics and festivals.

Please note the exact location of the ceremony on this park map.

Click here for driving directions to UC Irvine.

Parking Details

  • The recommended parking structure is the Anteater Parking Structure at East Peltason Drive and Anteater Drive, marked “APS” on this Visitor Parking Map.
  • Parking will cost $2/hour or $10 for the day on Friday, May 6, for the Pre-Commencement Picnic. Parking for guests with disabilities is available in designated spaces in the Student Center Parking Structure (map).
  • Parking will be free in the Anteater Parking Structure on Saturday, May 7 for those attending the Commencement Ceremony. Please inform the parking attendant you are attending the Law School Commencement Ceremony. Also, additional parking for guests with disabilities will be available in lot 18 D, just north of the Anteater Parking Structure (see map), closer to the Ceremony site.
  • Golf carts will be available both days for anyone who needs assistance getting from parking to Aldrich Park. Patrons should park in the Anteater Parking Structure on both days. (“APS” on Visitor Parking Map)

Guests with Disabilities

Seating Accommodations: To request reasonable accommodations for a disability, please contact Crissandra Flores by Friday, April 29.

Photography

Grad Images, a professional photography service, will be at Commencement and take three photos of each graduate: 1) prior to going on stage to receive diploma, 2) as graduate receives diploma and shakes hands with Dean Chemerinsky, and 3) exiting stage after receiving diploma. You will receive color proofs via email and to your permanent address within two weeks of the ceremony. You may purchase photos directly through Grad Images.

Grad Images
Customer Service: (800) 261-2576
www.gradimages.com

Pre-Commencement Celebration

The celebration event will be held at UCI Student Center, Emerald Bay Room from 3:00–5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6.

Graduates are encouraged to bring family members who are attending the Commencement ceremony the next day. Guests should park in the Student Center Parking Structure (map). Parking is $2/hour or $10 for the day.

Please RSVP online by May 2, 2016.

UC Irvine School of Law Mementos

  • Graduation Announcements
    To purchase announcements, click here for details about ordering from CB Graduation Announcements/Balfour.
  • T-shirts, license plate frames and more
    You may purchase UCI Law mementos through the online UCI Bookstore.

Past Ceremonies