Commencement FAQs

Commencement FAQs Commencement FAQs

Have questions about Commencement 2023?  See our useful FAQ below for more information.
 

  • What are the Commencement Weekend Schedule details? 
    • Saint Mary’s Commencement 2023 will be the weekend of May 19 - 21, 2023. 
    • Commencement Liturgy: Friday, May 19th at 5:00pm at UCU Pavilion 
    • Undergraduate Class of 2023 Ceremony: Saturday, May 20, 9am - 1:00pm in the Saint Mary’s Stadium
    • Graduate and Professional Studies 2023 Ceremony: Sunday, May 21 at 9:00am - 12:00pm in the Saint Mary’s Stadium
      • Our Commencement celebration will include both an in-person experience and a virtual live-streaming event for the ceremonies (for family members unable to attend in person). Watch the live stream here.
      • Saint Mary’s is planning a traditional in-person celebration in which students will have the opportunity to hear their names read aloud, walk across the stage, and pose for a photo.
  • What are my celebration options for 2023? 
    • Graduates of 2023 can participate in the graduation celebrations in two ways:
      • 1. Attend Commencement
      • 2. Watch a live stream of messages from the President, Provost, Valedictorian, and more. Live stream viewers will also get to see graduates have their names read as they walk across the stage. Watch the live stream here.
  • Are you still planning a traditional in-person Commencement celebration for the 2023 undergraduates and graduates? 
    • At the current moment, Commencement is planned traditionally and in person with a live stream available. We continue to monitor local public health guidance to plan a safe, and enjoyable Commencement experience.
  • Will there be plot parties/grad grounds for the Class of 2023? 
    • Grad grounds are planned this year for undergraduates on Saturday, May 20! View their website here.
  • Where can I find official SMC Lawn and Garden Signs?
  • Will graduates be able to order regalia? 
  • Can I purchase/order a cap and gown on site?
    • No. There will be no sales of any kind on the day of the celebration. Eligible students have received information on how to order regalia; please refer to your email for more information on how to order. The deadline to order regalia is April 24, 2023. The Office of the Registrar will not be providing these items, and strongly recommend you order your regalia as soon as possible to be prepared for the ceremony. 
  • How will graduates receive their diplomas this year? 
    • All graduates will receive their diplomas by mail. Diplomas for undergraduates are mailed during the months of June, July, and August. Graduate students should check with their department contact on when diplomas are to be mailed.
    • Be sure to view your current address listed under your student profile for accuracy. If the address needs to be updated, submit a Change of Address Form to be processed.
  • Where can I get a Commencement program? 
    • Commencement programs will be available the day of Commencement. More information is coming soon.
  • Will my name still be printed in a Commencement program? 
    • Eligible students who have been approved for Commencement will have their names printed in the Commencement program. Please make sure you are eligible by the March 31st deadline
  • What time should graduating students (not guests) arrive? 
    • Graduating students: Please arrive 2 Hours prior to Commencement to allow plenty of time to get your registration card and file into the correct queue. (7 AM for both undergrads and graduates & professional studies) Your registration card is what you will take to the stage to hand to the announcer.
  • Should I expect long waiting times? 
    • Commencement traffic and parking reach capacity rather quickly. We recommend you arrive early (after 7 AM for both days on 5/20/23 & 5/21/23).
  • How long will Commencement take? How much time should I expect to spend on campus? 
    • Commencement for undergraduates is planned to begin at 9 AM on 5/20/23 and end between 12-1 PM. Grad Grounds will begin at 12 PM and come to a close at 4 PM.
    • Commencement for graduates is planned to begin at 9 AM and will end at 1 PM on 5/21/23 and there will be a reception on the Chapel Lawn after.
  • Will there be a Commencement Rehearsal? 
    • Commencement Rehearsal (Undergraduate and Graduate & Professional Studies) will take place at the Saint Mary's Stadium on Friday, May 19th, 2023.
    • Rehearsal will begin at 1 PM and we will be meeting on the Turf Field. 
  • How early can I arrive to Commencement? 
    • We recommend guests to arrive early as we expect strong traffic and parking time (after 7 AM on both days for 5/20/23 and on 5/21/23). Shuttles and golf carts will be provided from our parking areas, and they will drop-off at the Commencement site.
    • Please download the Commencement 2023 Shuttle Route Map for pick-up and drop-off locations. 
    • You can also download the Commencement 2023 Traffic Route Map here
  • Where may I park for Commencement? 
    • On-campus parking will be available for guests. We are strongly recommending two vehicles per graduate. We are not allowing buses, floats, party trolleys, motor homes, or any vehicle exceeding 30 feet in the entrance that day.
    • Please download the Commencement 2023 Parking Plan for more information 
  • Will I need a ticket for entry and/or a parking pass? 
    • No tickets or parking passes will be required.
  • Are we allowed to tailgate/celebrate before and after in the parking lot? 
    • Tailgating will not be allowed before or after Commencement. Guests will be guided to Saint Mary's Stadium upon arrival, and if you would like to host an on-campus party post Commencement, you may reach out to Grad Grounds for more information.
  • Is there a maximum number of guests that can attend? 
    • Families & friends are invited to the 2023 Commencement event as there is no guest maximum this year. We are limiting the event to two vehicles per graduate (We are not allowing buses, floats, party trolleys, motor homes, or any vehicle exceeding 30 feet in the entrance that day.). The event will also be live streamed so that families can attend remotely if they are not able to participate in the in-person experience. 
  • I am from out of town. Can you provide hotel recommendations? 
    • For a list of local hotels, please visit our lodging website.
  • If a family member is attending the ceremony and needs accommodations for parking or seating, what are the options?
    • Guests requiring seating accommodations due to mobility issues can proceed to the accessible seating section.  This section is for family members who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking.  Each guest may bring 1 additional person into the accessible seating section with them.  Accessible parking is available, as well as golf carts to help family members get to the ceremony site. Sign language interpretive service is provided as part of the ceremony. 
  • Can I bring my pet to Commencement? 
    • Only service animals are allowed at Commencement. Please email commencement@stmarys-ca.edu with more information. Emotional Support Animals are not permitted at any Commencement event. 
  • Will professional photos or video be taken during Commencement? 
    • Yes, professional photographers will be stationed as graduates walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover. These photos will later be available for purchase online. Additional photography of Commencement will be available to download shortly after each event. The entire event will be live streamed. Watch the live stream.
    • Both photography and livestream video will be taken during the course of this event for use in Saint Mary’s College publicity materials.
  • Will there be make-up photo sessions if I missed the Grad Fair?
    • Yes,  Make up photo sessions for commencement images will be held on 3/23/2023 from 3PM-7PM, and on 3/24/2023 from 11AM-4PM in the Moraga room of the Soda Center. 
  • Will the Commencement celebration be live streamed and recorded? 
  • What if my car breaks down or there is an emergency? 
    • There will be a tow truck on standby during the event.
  • Is it safe to participate in the celebration? 
    • Saint Mary's will observe all Contra Costa County health orders related to COVID-19 and large gatherings (both indoor and outdoor). Due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic and updates to current county health orders, any additional COVID-19 safety protocols will be shared prior to the event. 
  • Do I have to wear a face covering while attending Commencement? 
    • Per Contra Costa County guidance, masking is no longer required. However, masking is still strongly recommended on campus, especially at large gatherings, so all attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.  
  • Can I bring silly string, sparklers, or confetti? 
    • For safety, sustainability, and security reasons, certain items are prohibited from the celebration, such as silly string, sparklers, confetti, and alcohol.  
    • Graduates must adhere to the Student Conduct Code during the event.
  • Will restrooms be available? 
    • Yes. Portable restrooms will be accessible. Face coverings, social distancing, and all other COVID safety recommendations should be followed while utilizing the restrooms. Per Contra Costa County guidance, masking is no longer required. However, masking is still strongly recommended on campus, especially at large gatherings, so all attendees are encouraged to wear a mask. (Subject to change)
  • How does the Student Code of Conduct apply to the celebration? 
    • Students participating must comply with the Student Conduct Code, including policies on public intoxication and alcohol. The celebration is an alcohol-free event. For the safety of everyone participating, staff will deny entry to any student or drivers who appear intoxicated.
  • How do I request accommodations for the commencement ceremony? 
    • Students with disabilities, who need accommodations to participate in the Commencement Liturgy, the College Commencement Ceremony, and/or the Grad Grounds event should email Julie Scaff, jas37@stmarys-ca.edu, as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. The email should include the following: Name of student, SMC ID number & accommodation needs for each event.
  • How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate? 
  • Can I participate as a graduate in the MFA-Dance 2023 Commencement in May even though I finish my degree in the Summer? 
    • Yes, if you have contacted the program coordinator for MFA in Dance and have been granted eligibility for gradation, you may walk at commencement in May. 
  • Will there be in person celebrations after Commencement? 
    • Yes, the traditional Grad Grounds is planned in person for undergraduates. Please view information on the website.
    • For graduate and professional studies graduates, there will be a reception hosted at the Chapel Lawn after Commencement.
  • How can I plan ahead? 
    • Grad Fair will be held in the Soda Center on March 1st from 10 am to 2 pm & 4pm - 8pm. Vendors will be present for all things related to commencement and information regarding college rings, commencement portraits, cultural grad celebrations, grad announcements, and grad grounds. More information will be announced soon.
  • Are Cultural Celebrations being planned? 
    • Find out more information about how to register for one of the Intercultural Center’s our four Cultural Graduate Celebrations here. Applications opens Friday, March 11th and closes Friday, April 22nd. Cultural stoles will be provided for FREE for all graduates.
    • Lavender Graduate Celebration
      • Thursday, May 11 @ 4:30 p.m.  |  Hagerty
    • Asian Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration
      • Saturday, May 13 @ 9 a.m.  |  SMC Chapel
    • Black Graduate Celebration
      • Thursday, May 18 @ 6 p.m.  |  Soda Center (Moraga Room)
    • Latinx Graduate Celebration
      • Friday, May 19 @ 8:30 a.m.  |  SMC Chapel
  • Where can I find official SMC Lawn and Garden Signs?

© 2023 Saint Mary’s College of California