Commencement

For the MIMG ceremony, MIMG students must kindly let MIMG advisors know if you anticipate needing any accommodations for graduates or guests by emailing undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu ASAP. 

There is also designated accessible guest seating available at the event (first-come, first-served). 

Regalia Requirements

MIMG major students who wish to participate in the MIMG in-person commencement ceremonies must wear an approved cap and gown (standard black gown, cap/mortarboard) and a tassel indicating the type of degree). 

• MIMG graduating students will wear a standard black gown, available for purchase online (UCLA Store- Graduation website, UCLA Undergrad./Bachelors Regalia for 2026). 
• MIMG graduating students will wear an approved cap/mortarboard, available for purchase online (UCLA Store- Graduation website, UCLA Undergrad./Bachelors Regalia for 2026). 
• MIMG graduating students (B.S. candidates) will wear a tassel of the appropriate color (historically, B.S. Degrees from the College of Letters and Sciences are gold). Graduating students will wear the tassel on the right side of the cap initially, and will participate in a tassel-turning ceremony when their degrees have been conferred. Tassels are available for purchase online (UCLA Store- Graduation website, UCLA Undergrad./Bachelors Regalia for 2026). When adding the tassel to your online cart, you will select the degree earned to ensure the tassel is the appropriate color. 
• There is no hood associated with the B.S. attire.

Ordering Regalia from UCLA Store

UCLA undergraduate students participating in Commencement should please utilize the UCLA Store- Graduation website for UCLA Undergrad./Bachelors Regalia for 2026 to place orders online. Orders can be picked up in-person or shipped directly to you. Qualifying students may order an Honors cord (available in late Spring) – eligibility is confirmed with your student ID number.

UCLA Store- Graduation website is UCLA's official source for graduation regalia, including caps, gowns, tassels, diploma frames, portrait packages, and announcements. Please see their contact information:

•  UCLA Store- Graduation Location: Ackerman Union A-Level 308 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, California 90024
• Phone: 310-825-2587
• E-mail: gradetc@asucla.ucla.edu

First-Gen Cord

A “first-generation” student is someone whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year degree at a college or university in the United States. If you’re the first in your family to navigate college, you’re a first-gen Bruin, and UCLA is here to celebrate. 

• Pick up your First-Gen graduation cord (Week 6–Finals Week): Check the First-Gen cord distribution schedule (locations and times).
• Bruin Firsts (First-Gen Graduation Celebration): Thursday, June 4, 5:00–7:00 PM at James West Alumni Center. More details coming soon.
• Questions or updates: Email First to Go at firsttogo@saonet.ucla.edu and subscribe to the First-Gen Newsletter.

Latin Honors Cord

Honor Cords/Gold Fourragère is made of braided cord and worn over the arm at the left shoulder, signify academic distinction and are awarded to undergraduate students who have attained Latin Honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude. 

Bachelor of Science students eligible for latin honors*  will be able to purchase their honor cords from the Graduation, Etc (located in Ackerman A-Level) beginning Monday June 1, 2026 (In-Person ONLY). 

Eligible students will be asked to provide their UCLA UID and your School (please make sure you state College of Letters and Sciences) to verify they are on the approved eligible list before being able to purchase the latin honor cord.

*If you have not already completed your degree and have officially been awarded latin honors we will use the tentative latin honors eligibility as posted on your Degree Audit Report (DARS).  You must have followed the degree audit process.  Please run a DARS (via MyUCLA) to verify your tentative eligibility.  Please reference this quick guide to show you how to wear the honor cords. Students with questions about eligibility can contact us via the Commencement MyUCLA Message Center.

What to Bring

• Graduates should arrive wearing their cap and gown to the ceremony. Graduates can place orders at the UCLA Store online for regalia. Orders can be picked up in-person or shipped directly to you. Qualifying students may order an Honors cord (available in late Spring) – eligibility is confirmed with your student ID number. 
  • Note: Graduates’ tassels should be placed on the right side before the ceremony.
• Graduates must have downloaded, digital or printed copy of their own tickets. Both guests & graduates must have their own copies of the tickets upon entrance.
• Guests must have downloaded, digital or printed copies of their tickets. Both guests & graduates must have their own copies of the tickets upon entrance.
• Guest and graduate bags must adhere to  UCLA’s Commencement Clear Bag Policy. Guests may either check bags at the guest entrance or guests may bring clear bags that adhere to UCLA’s Commencement Clear Bag Policy. 
• A charged smartphone to view our digital/ PDF Ceremony Program, to view the UCLA Commencement Map, and to communicate with guests or graduates as needed.
• Optional but recommended: sun protection, water, and charger. 

Bag Policy

• Guests may either check bags at the guest entrance (see entrance details below) or guests may bring clear bags that adhere to UCLA’s Commencement Clear Bag Policy. 
• Bags brought into these venues must meet the following requirements: 
  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12”W x 12”H x 6”D.
  • One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bag 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag.
  • Diaper bags if the infant for which the bag is carried is present.
• Water bottles are permitted at outdoor commencement venues.
• UCLA reserves the right to inspect bags or containers for prohibited items such as weapons, alcohol, or illicit substances. Backpacks and duffel bags are not permitted in any venue. 

Prohibited Items

All Commencement venues have the authority to prohibit any other items deemed to be a security risk. Patrons will not be allowed to bring those items inside the event venues. Please see the full list of prohibited items or listed below: 

• No scooters, skateboards, skates, or bicycles.
• No firearms, knives, explosives, or other weapons.
• No animals – except service animals required for a disability.
• No boxes or wrapped packages of any size.
• No promotional items with commercial slogans or identification.
• No helium/balloons larger than 6 inches across/in diameter. 
• No noise makers – including thunder sticks, musical instruments, whistles, air horns, boom boxes, and megaphones.
• No confetti, confetti poppers, or streamers. 
• No balls, toys, or sports equipment.
• No banners, signs, or flags.
• No laser pointers.
• No poles or sticks (outside of mobility aids, canes) – including selfie sticks.
• No monopods or tripods.
• No glass, metal, or hard plastic containers of any size.
• No beverages – except water in a sealed, clear container.
• No hard- or soft-sided coolers of any size.
• No food – except in cases of medical need or for young children.
• No alcoholic beverages.
• No helmets. 

What to Bring

• Graduates should arrive wearing their cap and gown to the ceremony. Graduates can place orders at the UCLA Store online for regalia. Orders can be picked up in-person or shipped directly to you. Qualifying students may order an Honors cord (available in late Spring) – eligibility is confirmed with your student ID number. 
  • Note: Graduates’ tassels should be placed on the right side before the ceremony.
• Graduates must have downloaded, digital or printed copy of their own tickets. Both guests & graduates must have their own copies of the tickets upon entrance.
• Guests must have downloaded, digital or printed copies of their tickets. Both guests & graduates must have their own copies of the tickets upon entrance.
• Guest and graduate bags must adhere to  UCLA’s Commencement Clear Bag Policy. Guests may either check bags at the guest entrance or guests may bring clear bags that adhere to UCLA’s Commencement Clear Bag Policy. 
• A charged smartphone to view our digital/ PDF Ceremony Program, to view the UCLA Commencement Map, and to communicate with guests or graduates as needed.
• Optional but recommended: sun protection, water, and charger. 

Graduating Student/Participant Arrival

Graduates should please arrive at 9:00 AM at Kerckhoff Patio (Portola Plaza entrance) (this is 1 hour before the ceremony). Please make sure to wear your cap and gown to the ceremony. Please bring safety pins and/or bobby pins for your cap and gown just in case! Upon check-in, we will direct graduating students to the Grand Salon area of Kerckhoff Hall prior to the ceremony to get ready, place belongings as needed, and wait there until further instructions. 

At the Registration Table, graduates will check in and receive one GradImages card. This card is required for the ceremony, so keep it with you. It includes your name and phonetic pronunciation. One side of the card lets you indicate whether you would like to receive ceremony photos from GradImages after the event. Please follow the instructions on the card during check-in. When you cross the stage, please hand the GradImages card to the MIMG faculty member reading names. 

No rehearsal will be held. After graduates are seated, they will be instructed on how to line up for processional during the ceremony by commencement volunteers.

Guest Arrival

Guests should please arrive at Kerckhoff Patio between 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (up to 1 hour before the ceremony).

Traffic will be heavy and parking will be difficult. We advise guests to be on campus more than one hour before your event’s start time.

Guests will enter from the Bruin Walk/Bruin Plaza side of Kerckhoff. This entrance has an accessible ramp (ADA-compliant entrance). Guests must have copies of their own tickets for the Ceremony (graduates cannot check in their guests). 

Parking

Parking is available in structures 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and SV. 

• Students and guests attending 2026 Commencement ceremonies are able to purchase a parking permit online, anonymously, and in advance through the Bruin ePermit Event Parking portal.  
• To avoid long lines at the self-service pay stations on campus, it is recommended to purchase your parking permit in advance of attending the Commencement ceremonies.

To learn more about commencement parking, please visit UCLA’s Commencement Parking Website.

Entrance Locations

We will have signage around Kerckhoff Patio to guide graduates and guests to the designated entrance.

Guests will enter from the Bruin Walk/Bruin Plaza side of Kerckhoff. This entrance has an accessible ramp (ADA-compliant entrance). Guests must have copies of their own tickets for the Ceremony (graduates cannot check in their guests). 

Graduates will enter from the Portola Plaza side of Kerckhoff (ADA-compliant entrance). Graduates must have a copy of their own ticket for the Ceremony. 

Once Arrived in Kerckhoff Patio

Guests: Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to help themselves to water or lemonade. Guests will be seated in the designated guest/family and friend area. Seating is first-come, first-serve. MIMG staff, volunteers, and security team members will be present to support guests as needed. 

Graduating Students: Upon arrival, graduates are welcomed to help themselves to water or lemonade before heading up to the Grand Salon in Kerckhoff. The Grand Salon will be an area for graduates to hang out and wait before the ceremony. An MIMG staff member will be present in the Grand Salon to support graduates. 

Parking

Parking is available in structures 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and SV. 

• Students and guests attending 2026 Commencement ceremonies are able to purchase a parking permit online, anonymously, and in advance through the Bruin ePermit Event Parking portal.  
• To avoid long lines at the self-service pay stations on campus, it is recommended to purchase your parking permit in advance of attending the Commencement ceremonies.

To learn more about commencement parking, please visit UCLA’s Commencement Parking Website.

Ceremony Entrance Locations

We will have signage around Kerckhoff Patio to guide graduates and guests to the designated entrance.

Guests will enter from the Bruin Walk/Bruin Plaza side of Kerckhoff. This entrance has an accessible ramp (ADA-compliant entrance). Guests must have copies of their own tickets for the Ceremony (graduates cannot check in their guests). 

Graduates will enter from the Portola Plaza side of Kerckhoff (ADA-compliant entrance). Graduates must have a copy of their own ticket for the Ceremony.  

Seating

Guests: Guests will be seated in the designated area behind graduates. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please contact undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu for any accessibility needs or accommodations. 

Graduates: Graduates will walk in a procession at the start of the ceremony to the designated graduate seating area close to the stage. Undergraduates will not be seated in alphabetical order, but should follow MIMG staff instructions for the processional and recessional. There will be a small section at the front for graduate students (PhD recipients) who are participating and having their names read. Please contact undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu for any accessibility needs or accommodations. 

Ceremony Guidelines

Please follow all instructions from MIMG staff, Commencement volunteers, and security. If any areas are marked or announced as not permitted for standing or seating, it is to support fire safety and crowd control. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you follow staff guidance. 

Order of Ceremony and Program

There will be remarks from our MIMG Department Chair, our Student Speaker, a Faculty Speaker, recognition of PhDcandidates, recognition of Departmental Honors recipients, and a processional across the stage. 

Please see MIMG's Digital Commencement Program for 2026. This is a P.D.F., digital copy of our program, including the order of ceremony and list of graduates, for graduates and guests. We recommend sharing, downloading, and/or printing. 

Graduates (What to Expect During Ceremony)

• MIMG Advisors (Dr. Fonseca and Sierra) will direct graduates to line up in the Grand Salon before the ceremony.
• The “processional” (where graduates walk in formally to enter the ceremony to the song “Pomp and Cirumstance”) will begin at10:00 AM. Graduates will be guided by MIMG Advisors (Dr. Fonseca and Sierra) to their seats to line up, row by row.
• MIMG Advisors (Dr. Fonseca and Sierra) will call up rows to wait in line next to the stage to have your name read and receive your symbolic diploma. Please only get up when a staff member tells your row to stand. 
• Right before you cross the stage, you will hand the faculty member the GradImages card (which we will provide when you check in) with a phonetic/written spelling of your name, and the faculty member may ask you to confirm your name shortly before crossing to ensure correct pronunciation. 
• When your name is read, walk across the stage and meet the MIMG Department Chair (Dr. Aguilar-Carreño) at center stage to receive your ceremonial diploma. Take the diploma (no handshake needed), then return to your seat for the remainder of the ceremony. 
• At the end of the ceremony, the MIMG Dpt. Chair (Dr. Aguilar-Carreño) will ask graduates to move their tassels from the right to the left. Graduates will be asked to stand/leave their seats prior to guests, and then will have time to meet with guests/family and friends after the ceremony. 

Photos

You are welcome to take pictures from your seats, your guests as well. Students and guests should please aim to remain seated and be mindful of other guests and graduates.

GradImages, our official photographer for graduation, will be present at our Commencement to take pictures of the ceremony and each graduate. Students can pre-register with GradImages before the ceremony or the day of the ceremony to be able to order GradImages photos. 

Policies

Although UCLA does not anticipate any security problems during Commencement, we will monitor all events to protect the safety and security of our guests. Please observe the following restrictions for all Commencement activities on the UCLA Campus.

• Tickets are required for entry. 
• All bags will be subject to a visual inspection by security personnel. 
• Policies are subject to change without notice.

Guests and students are welcome to take pictures from your seats. Students and guests should please aim to remain seated and be mindful of other guests and graduates.

GradImages, our official photographer for graduation, will be present at our Commencement to take pictures of the ceremony and each graduate. Students can pre-register with GradImages before the ceremony or register on the day of the ceremony to be able to order GradImages photos. 

Diplomas will be available about three months after you complete all of your degree requirements and graduate.  For more information, see: Diploma Availability and Release.

Q: What’s the difference between “graduating” and “walking through commencement ceremonies”?

A: Students can graduate (that is, have completed all requirements for their degree and have stopped taking classes) during any quarter of the year or even after summer sessions. Then, several months after they have declared their degree expected term (through MyUCLA), they will be issued a diploma from UCLA. Commencement ceremonies, however, occur only once per year and you are invited to walk through these ceremonies whether or not you are actually graduating in Spring Quarter. This is the time for you to be publicly recognized by the university and your friends and family for your scholastic achievements. Participating in any commencement activities does NOT guarantee that you will actually earn a degree. You should consult a UCLA college and or departmental counselor for detailed information on satisfying degree requirements.

Q: Who may participate in the MIMG Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony?

A: MIMG majors graduating in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 are automatically eligible to participate in MIMG's Commencement. 

• Students must ensure that their correct, active email is listed in their MyUCLA "My Contact Information" feature to receive commencement information and ticketing information from MIMG.
• Students should please utilize the UCLA Graduation Checklist for all graduation items.
• Graduating MIMG students can contact MIMG Advisors at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu for questions about MIMG Commencement participation and/or completing MIMG major requirements.
• If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria (for example, if your Degree Expected Term is Fall 2026 or Winter 2027) but wish to be included in the 2026 College Commencement, you have to file a Special Inclusion Petition (SIP). To be included in MIMG's Commencement Ceremony, please contact the MIMG Advisors at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu with your UID. 

Q: Do I need tickets to bring guests to the celebration?

A: Each graduate will be allowed 4 complimentary guest tickets. You will need to indicate your participation and reserve your complimentary tickets on the MyUCLA ticketing system. No additional guest tickets will be provided.

All tickets for the MIMG Commencement Ceremony will be virtual tickets. You will receive email messages from tickets@cto.ucla.edu that contain links for you to receive your tickets. You will receive one message per ceremony for each of your graduate tickets and one message per ceremony for your guest tickets. Be sure you check the email account you have in MyUCLA, and check that email account’s spam folder for your ticket messages.

Q: Will provisions be made for my physical disabilities or those of my guests?

A: If you have a disability that will limit your ability to participate in the commencement ceremony, please contact undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu If you have guests with disabilities, call the Office for Students with Disabilities at (310) 825-1501 (voice), or (310) 206-6083 (TDD), ASAP to receive information about parking and other assistance at the Commencement. Sign language interpreters are available upon request. Guests with wheelchairs, disabilities or strollers are encouraged to arrive early.

Q: How do I purchase my cap and gown?

A: Graduation Etc. will begin taking orders for caps & gowns, announcements, diploma plaques and frames, Alumni Association memberships, and graduation gifts. Visit them online at the UCLA Store.

Q: Where can I get information about parking for graduation?

A: Current UCLA permit holders may park at their assigned spot during commencement without additional costs. You can pre-purchase parking passes for your guests. The UCLA Central Ticket Office will sell Pre-paid Commencement Parking Permits beginning in May. The UCLA Central Ticket Office is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday.

Q: Where can I find other commencement information, e.g., directions to UCLA, campus maps, hotels, etc.?

A: Please see the UCLA Commencement Website for additional commencement resources and information.