Southern California Commencement

Day of Information for Graduates

Grad Ticket & Reader Card

Grad tickets will be sent to your university email the week of the ceremony. This ticket will double as your reader card to be scanned at the front of the stage for your name to be read aloud. The unique QR code on your ticket is specific to only you. Information about registering yourself and your guests for tickets was sent out on March 8, 2023 to your graduate university email account.

There is no rehearsal for Commencement.

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Health & Safety Precautions

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we plan to seat all graduates with some distance from one another. Additionally, we encourage all our guests to leave an empty seat between your group and other groups. At this time, masks are not required to attend our Southern California ceremony. If there is a change to the recommendations or requirements, the university will notify graduates via their university email account.

UMass Global will continue to monitor federal, state, and local regulations governing public gatherings and update graduates of any changes. For a more thorough list of the commencement terms and conditions, please view them on that page of the website.

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Driving Directions and Map

When using GPS to provide driving directions to the FivePoint Amphitheatre, many find it easier to use 8390 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618 and then follow the parking lot attendants to locate a space. We encourage all those planning to attend commencement to use the UMass Global provided driving directions and map, as there is only one main road into the venue, which is Marine Way. Other roads your GPS might direct you to, will be closed off to event traffic on the day of the ceremony.

Driving Direction & Map

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Printed Program

A complimentary commencement program will be placed on your seat at the ceremony.

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Personal Belongings of Graduates

Please be sure to leave valuables, such as purses, cameras, and other items with your family or guests and silence all electronic devices. UMass Global will not be responsible for valuables lost. Students will not be returning to the student line-up area following the ceremony.

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Bag Inspection Policy & Clear Bag Requirement

The Southern California venue requires mandatory inspection of all items carried into the venue, including appropriately sized bags.

Approved bag sizes include:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bag not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12"
• Small, clutch-style bag no exceeding 4.5" x 6.5" with or without handle / strap (not required to be clear)
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style) or smaller

If a bag exceeds size or style restrictions or the Bag Inspector discovers prohibited items that are not deemed harmful or dangerous (e.g., outside food and beverages, bags that are larger than the permitted size, etc.), the Bag Inspector will ask the individual to dispose of the items or remove the items from the bag screening areas. Any bag that leaves the premises and then returns will need to be rescreened upon entry. Those who refuse to comply with any part of the Bag Inspection Policy & Clear Bag Requirement will not be permitted entry to the Venue.

*Graduates and guests are permitted to bring one manufacturer sealed bottle of water into the venue per person. Refill stations will be available.

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Weather & Attire

The Southern California ceremonies will be held outdoors. There is no alternate rain location for our ceremonies and they will take place as scheduled unless a downpour or electrical storm create a safety hazard.

Please wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, apply sunscreen and bug spray, wear sensible shoes, and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. If at any time you do not feel well, please notify a commencement team member in a red polo. A first aid tent is available for those that need it.

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ADA Accommodations for Graduates

Graduates with disability-related accommodation needs are invited to denote that on the student RSVP or by emailing [email protected] with your accommodation request for the ceremony. Please note, at the Southern California ceremony captioning will be available on the large screens near the stage, for those who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing. A commencement team member will respond to your request and work with you to create a plan that suits your needs.

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Facebook Event Page

Start celebrating now with the Class of 2023 by using #UMassGlobalGrad (or #BrandmanGrad) when posting.  Don't forget to follow the university on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Cap & Gown Instructions

For information on how to wear your Commencement regalia and what items should be included in your Commencement attire package, we invite you to watch the below video.

CAP & GOWN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

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Hotels Nearby

Graduates and their families are welcome to book hotel rooms through our host hotels the Marriott Irvine Spectrum ($219 per night*) and the Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum ($199 per night*). Reservation links to our special rate are below.

These rooms and corresponding rates expired on April 28, 2023, or if the block was filled, whichever came first.

***Hotel rooms are while supplies last. All rooms are subject to occupancy tax, CA tourism fee, and parking fees.

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Grad Checklist

Be sure that you have completed the following tasks prior to commencement:

• Complete the Commencement Interest form via MyUMassGlobal.
• Order your regalia items.
• Open your regalia package to make sure all items were delivered properly.
• Watch the regalia video to know how to wear your regalia.
• RSVP yourself and your guests for tickets, once available later in spring.
• The week of the ceremony, print your grad ticket & send your guests their tickets to print.
• CELEBRATE!

Information for Guests

Guest Tickets & Seating

Guest tickets are required for admission to the Southern California Commencement ceremonies. Seating will be first come, first serve. In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we encourage all our guests to leave an empty seat between your group and other groups.

Each graduate has a specific number of guest tickets allocated^*, based on the ceremony location, time, and expected attendance. 

• 9:00 AM - School of Arts & Sciences and School of Nursing & Health Professions Commencement
  • 15 guest tickets per graduate
• 1:00 PM - School of Business & Professional Studies and School of Education Commencement
  • 15 guest tickets per graduate
• 4:30 PM - DNP and Ed.D. Doctoral Commencement and Hooding
  • 20 guest tickets per graduate

Guest tickets will be distributed to graduate's university email account the week of the ceremony. Children under the age of 2 who will sit on an adult's lap during the entire ceremony, do not require a ticket. All other guests will need a ticket in order to attend the ceremony.

*Tickets are not guaranteed, and the event is subject to change.

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Waitlist Ticket Opportunity

The university may be able to offer additional guest tickets through a waitlist. When submitting your RSVP, you will be able to indicate if you would like to be considered for additional guest tickets, if more become available. We cannot guarantee additional tickets will become available.

The waitlist opportunity is dependent on the number of guest and grad tickets reserved. If additional tickets are released to those on the waitlist, this will not take place until a few weeks prior to the ceremony.

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Weather & Attire

The Southern California ceremonies will be held outdoors. There is no alternate rain location for our ceremonies and they will take place as scheduled unless a downpour or electrical storm create a safety hazard.

Please wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, apply sunscreen, wear sensible shoes, and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. If at any time you do not feel well, please notify a commencement team member in a red polo. A first aid tent is available for those that need it.

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ADA Accommodations for Guests

For guests who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning will be available on the large screens near the stage.

The majority of guest seating for the commencement ceremony will be stadium style. There will be designated seating areas for guests in wheelchairs or who are unable to walk up stairs. Please notify your graduate to designate during the RSVP process that they are in need of ADA seating accommodations for a guest in their party.

Upon entering the parking lot, please notify the parking attendant that you are in need of disability parking or curbside drop-off for any of your guests with physical limitations that cannot walk long distances. The university does not provide wheelchairs or carts at the event. Please come prepared with your own assistive devices if attending. Guests can rent a wheelchair from one of the local wheelchair vendors. For any other inquiries regarding accommodations for guests, please email [email protected] and a commencement team member will respond.

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Livestream & On-Demand Viewing

Family and friends from around the globe can view the ceremony via livestream on the UMass Global Facebook page. The ceremony videos will remain on the UMass Global Facebook page for on-demand viewing following the ceremonies.

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Parking

Parking at the venue is complimentary. Additionally, the amphitheater is located within walking distance from the Irvine Train Station (IRV), which is located at 15215 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618. 

For those parking on-site, the parking lot will remain closed until 1.5 hours prior to each ceremony starting. Please allow yourself ample time to park your car, walk to the ceremony site, and go through security screening, as our ceremony will start promptly on time. Following each ceremony, the parking lot will need to be fully emptied within 30 minutes in order to make room for the next ceremony. Since remaining in the venue following the ceremony will not be permitted, we encourage our families to find a nearby park to take photos at to commemorate this special occasion.

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Bag Inspection Policy & Clear Bag Requirement

The Southern California venue requires mandatory inspection of all items carried into the venue, including appropriately sized bags.

Approved bag sizes include:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bag not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12"
• Small, clutch-style bag no exceeding 4.5" x 6.5" with or without handle / strap (not required to be clear)
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style) or smaller

If a bag exceeds size or style restrictions or the Bag Inspector discovers prohibited items that are not deemed harmful or dangerous (e.g., outside food and beverages, bags that are larger than the permitted size, etc.), the Bag Inspector will ask the individual to dispose of the items or remove the items from the bag screening areas. Any bag that leaves the premises and then returns will need to be rescreened upon entry. Those who refuse to comply with any part of the Bag Inspection Policy & Clear Bag Requirement will not be permitted entry to the Venue.

*Graduates and guests are permitted to bring one manufacturer sealed bottle of water into the venue per person. Refill stations will be available.

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Prohibited Items

The university requests the cooperation of all grads and guests in observing strict regulations required for the protection of the amphitheater. No food, beverages, chewing gum, cigarettes, party novelties, confetti, balloons or non-service pets are permitted in the venue. Possession of weapons at university-sponsored events is prohibited, including but not limited to all types of knives, firearms, and fireworks. Please note, all attendees will be required to enter the event through metal detector and bag search level security. Please do not bring any large bags or prohibited items to this event.

*Graduates and guests are permitted to bring one manufacturer sealed bottle of water into the venue per person.

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Photo & Video Release

University of Massachusetts Global Commencement and Hooding ceremonies are public events that are videotaped, photographed and recorded for personal and commercial use. By participating in and/or attending these events, you give UMass Global, their affiliate universities, and venue partners permission to use visual images (photo, video, digital in any form) of you for any lawful purpose related to the university or venue’s business activities, including marketing, advertising, and promotion. By participating and/or attending these events you understand that you have waived any rights that you may have to inspect or approve of the images or wording in the final product that may be used in connection with the university’s business activities.

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Still have questions?

Review Commencement FAQs

Email [email protected].