For the first time ever, the University of California, Riverside’s class of 2023 will commence at one of two locations. Graduates will either walk across an on-campus stage at the Student Recreation Center or an off-campus stage at Toyota Arena. The latter was announced during the fall in response to graduates’ needs for air conditioning, more guest tickets, and better viewpoints of the ceremony, among other enhancements. Historically, UCR Commencement was held outdoors on Pierce Lawn or at the Bell Tower where temperatures sometimes crept toward the 100-degree zone. 

Approximately 7,386 Highlanders are expected to receive bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Of the total cohort, around 6,000 will be participating in a series of Commencement ceremonies occurring in June. The ceremony schedule will include, School of Medicine on June 2, Graduate Division Hooding Ceremony on June 3, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Bourns College of Engineering on June 20; College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences on June 21; and School of Education, School of Public Policy, and School of Business on June 22. 

Here are some important steps for graduates to complete and details they can share with their guests to prepare them for the celebrations.  

Submit Intent to Participate Form w/ Ticket Order

Check your UCR email for the form.

• If you would like to pick up your Toyota Arena guest tickets at Senior Sendoff on Thursday, May 25, please submit your Intent to Participate form by Wednesday, May 24 at 8 a.m.  
• If you don’t attend Senior Sendoff, Master's, Bachelor's, and Teacher Credential candidates participating in ceremonies at Toyota Arena on June 20-22 must submit the form by Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. 
• M.D., Ph.D., or M.F.A. candidates participating in ceremonies at UCR’s SRC on June 2-3 should have submitted the form by Friday, May 12 at 5 p.m. 

Pick Up Guest Tickets & Complimentary Graduate Parking Pass 

Review UCR Ticket Agreement regarding sales, purchase, or duplication of tickets and lost tickets. 

• Ceremonies at Toyota Arena — BCOE, Business, CHASS, CNAS, Education, and SPP 
  • Only registered graduates who have submitted their Intent to Participate will receive tickets. 
  • Attend Senior Sendoff on Thursday, May 25 from 4-7p.m. at Rivera Lawn to pick up guest tickets and your one complimentary graduate parking pass. You can also become a member of the Alumni Association and network, and get free UCR Alumni swag items, while supplies last. 
  • Additional ticket and graduate parking pass distributions are on May 26 or June 7 from 10am-4pm at HUB 355. 
• Ceremonies at UCR’s SRC — School of Medicine and Graduate Division Hooding Ceremony 
  • Participants Do NOT need to pick up physical tickets.  
  • Once you have submitted your Intent to Participate form and ordered your guest tickets, you will use your UCR email and password to access and distribute your electronic guest tickets via the Marching Order app. You can print or distribute your tickets electronically via email. 
  • Please note that participants in the Honors, Black Grad, and Raza Grad ceremonies should check with University Honors, African Student Programs, or Chicano Student Programs for details regarding these on-campus celebrations. 

About Venues 

Visit Commencement FAQs for more details. 

• Toyota Arena in Ontario, California 
  • Venue gates will open 60 minutes before each ceremony starts.  
  • Parking for graduates and the car they arrive in is free via the complimentary graduate parking pass you picked up with guest tickets. Other guests will pay $10 per car — the venue will only accept cards; no cash.  
  • Grad Images will capture individual images as graduates cross the stage. Proofs will be emailed or mailed directly to graduates and will be available for purchase. 
  • Security will check persons and belongings at the entrance to ensure safety. 
  • Balloons, signs larger than 11”x17”, noisemakers, strollers, and bags larger than 12”x12” are prohibited inside the venue. To ensure efficient entrance into the venue, visit the Toyota Arena website for venue policies and prohibited items. 
  • Along with water fountains located throughout the venue, refreshments will be available for purchase. (Outside food/drinks are prohibited/not allowed.) 
  • The venue is air-conditioned and there are restrooms.  
  • The stage will be viewable from all angles on the jumbotron.  
  • Find accessibility details on the Toyota Arena website. For ADA requests and inquiries please email Toyota Arena Guest Services Manager, Josh Salcedo: JSalcedo@toyota-arena.com 
• UCR’s Student Recreation Center (SRC) in Riverside, CA 
  • Parking for everyone is free at UCR Lots 24 and 26. Lot 25 has been reserved for guests with a disabled plate or placard. Please do not park in reserved, service, or disabled spaces without an appropriate permit. 
  • Grad Images will capture individual images as graduates cross the stage. Proofs will be emailed or mailed directly to graduates and will be available for purchase.  
  • Security will check persons and belongings at the entrance to ensure safety. 
  • Balloons, signs, and noisemakers are prohibited inside the SRC. 
  • Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on university property. 
  • Water stations will be located outside the SRC.  
  • The venue is air-conditioned and there are restrooms.
  • Request accessibility assistance by emailing: commence@ucr.edu 

About Ceremonies 

Visit Commencement Schedules for ceremony details specific to your group, like graduate check-in times, estimated ceremony durations, etc.

UCR is very excited to celebrate the 2023 Commencement ceremonies in person. For those who cannot attend in person but would like to join virtually, we will have live webcam broadcasts of each ceremony. Webcam links will be posted on the Commencement website one week prior to each celebration.