Updated May 15, 2024

How do I petition to graduate?
Visit this page on the SCU Registrar's website for information on how to petition to graduate.  Be sure to notice deadlines related to your projected Commencement date.

What is the Commencement format?
Santa Clara University will host Commencement ceremonies for undergraduates and graduates in Stevens Stadium on the Santa Clara University campus.

The Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for all to view and the link will be posted on the Commencement website.

Undergraduate Ceremony:

• Saturday, June 15, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

Additional Undergraduate Commencement Events

• May 31, 2024 
  • Class of 2024 Senior Awards and Toast, 4:00 p.m.
• June 14, 2024
  • Commencement Liturgy, 4:00 p.m.
  • Grad Bash, 5:30 p.m.
• June 15, 2024
  • Undergraduate Faculty Reception, following Commencement Ceremony

Graduate Ceremonies:

• Saturday, June 15, 2024
  • Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries and the School of Education and Counseling Psychology, 4:30 p.m
  • School of Engineering & Leavey School of Business, 7:00 p.m

What time will the Undergraduate Commencement gates open?
Gates will open at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

How long is Undergraduate Commencement? 
The Undergraduate Ceremony should last approximately 3 hours.

How many tickets do I receive?
Each graduate will receive (8) eight guests tickets for the Commencement ceremony.  Should you need additional guest tickets, we suggest you ask other graduates if they have tickets they don't plan to utilize. (Children 2 and under do not require a ticket).

How do graduates get their Commencement GradPass and Guest Ticket(s)?
In mid-April, eligible graduates received an email from commencement@scu.edu detailing how to obtain their GradPass and Guest Ticket(s) via MarchingOrder. Graduates will be required to provide their guests’ name and email address. Guests will be able to access their tickets via email and will be required to have a screenshot or printed copy of their ticket to be admitted to the ceremony.

I am receiving multiple degrees. Do I cross the stage twice?
Each student walks across the stage one time. Students with multiple degrees will be recognized in the Commencement Program, but must choose with which department to sit and walk. Your hood color will reflect the school or college chosen.

When will I receive my diploma?
On stage, you will receive only your portfolio (diploma case). Your diploma will be mailed to you by the Office of the Registrar once the completion of academic requirements has been verified. Mailings begin 3-4 months after the degree completion date.

Where do I pick up my honor cord?
University honor cords are provided for undergraduate students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 or higher by the end of Winter Quarter. Undergraduates who have met these requirements were notified by email in late April detailing honor cord pick up instructions.

How do I order Academic Attire for the ceremony?
Attire can be ordered directly from Oak Hall and will be mailed directly to you.  The deadline to order attire is May 19, 2024 to ensure that you receive it in time.

Where do Commencement guests sit?
All guest seating on the field and in the bleachers is on a first come, first served basis. It is highly recommended for guests to arrive when gates open at 7:15 a.m. for the Undergraduate ceremony.

Will there be ADA seating at Undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, June 15th?
An ADA tent will be located on the north end of Stevens Stadium which will offer shaded seating and extended aisles and rows. These seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. It is highly recommended for guests to arrive when gates open at 7:15 a.m. 

In addition, there will also be a cooling center located in the Locatelli Center which is fully indoors and will also broadcast the Commencement ceremony.  A Livestream of Undergraduate Commencement will be hosted on the Commencement website on June 15th.

Are guests allowed to bring water into Commencement?
Guests may bring an empty, non-metal, reusable water bottle and/or a clear, plastic unopened water bottle to the ceremony. Water filling stations will be made available to guests at Commencement. All graduates will have a small unopened bottle of water at the base of their chair at Commencement.

Are guests allowed to bring a bag into Commencement?
Per the University's Clear Bag Policy, each ticketed guest may bring in one clear bag, 12" by 6" by 12" (consistent with best practice for most stadium and arena venues), OR one plastic gallon storage bag AND one small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”). For a full list of prohibited bags and items, please navigate HERE.

As an additional safety measure, the University will be deploying enhanced security screening equipment for Commencement called OPENGATE®. "OPENGATE® is the first and only fully open, active walk-through detection system, composed of two free standing pillars". Please allow for additional time for screening. Guests with prohibited items will be required to return them to their vehicles. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of this special day.

A strict Clear Bag Policy with OPENGATE® technology will afford all graduates and guests a safe and secure environment to celebrate their accomplishments.

Will graduates be professionally photographed?
Graduates will have their photo taken by a professional photographer as they cross the stage.  These digital proofs will be emailed to graduates after Commencement with the opportunity to purchase photos.