Frequently asked questions
General questions
Berkeley Engineering hosts commencement once a year in the spring.
The campuswide commencement occurs in both spring and fall. For questions regarding the campuswide commencement, contact commencement@berkeley.edu.
Yes. Each graduate’s prerecorded name will be announced as they walk across the stage.
Commencement lasts about 2 hours. For guests, doors to the venue will open 1 hour before the ceremony start time.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide wheelchairs. Please consider looking into local rental options for guests requiring a wheelchair.
Guests who require accommodations for disabilities (e.g., wheelchair seating, sign language interpreter) should complete the Accommodations Request Form at least 7 to 10 days prior to commencement. This form will be available when ticket sales start in April.
Please review the list of prohibited items per venue on our Guest Information page. This list is not exhaustive and Cal Performances staff at the venue have the final authority on what items will be allowed.
We do not offer luggage storage.
The College of Engineering has made arrangements with GradImages Photo to photograph every graduate at the ceremony. For more information about ordering photos, visit the GradImages website.
Student questions
Yes, you still need to register. The campuswide commencement is separate from the College of Engineering ceremonies. Each event requires a separate registration, and tickets for the ceremonies are also separate.
Graduates who register for commencement by the April 4 deadline will have their names printed in the ceremony program.
Please make sure that your name is correct on your Tassel registration, so that it is printed correctly in the program.
You can contact engineeringcommencement@berkeley.edu between May 26 and June 6 to request that your name be included in an updated PDF version of the program.
No. Commemorative scrolls, not diplomas, are given out at commencement. Undergraduate and graduate diplomas will be mailed free of charge, approximately four months after the end of the term, to your diploma address. Instructions for updating your diploma address in CalCentral (or via form if you no longer have access to campus systems) can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.
If you have additional questions about your diploma, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.
Please work with your advisor and department ahead of time to identify another faculty member to hood you. This individual must sign off on your hooder form by the original deadline listed on the form.