I’m excited to share our plans for Commencement 2024. This spring’s ceremonies will be held on the East Upper Field from June 14–17, 2024. Given our infrastructure constraints, we must extend the timing of commencement by one day. The commencement ceremonies will be in their traditional style and organized by college.
We have received significant feedback from our community and while our previous Slug Crossing format allowed for more guests for graduates, a front-row view for guests as graduates crossed the stage and could be sustainably supported on our campus, there were still many who preferred a traditional commencement format. The decision to return to a more traditional series of ceremonies for 2024 was informed by the feedback that I have received from campus stakeholders and a recommendation by University Advancement (UA) after they engaged in an event review with an outside event advising and production company. I am grateful for the hard work of everyone who has contributed to commencement during the transitions we have faced and as we work together toward a sustainable plan for the future.
UA ultimately found that in the future, an off-campus venue will be the only way to accommodate the growing number of graduates and guests attending this important milestone. Facing similar pressures, UC Davis and UC Riverside last year made the decision to hold their commencement ceremonies off campus.
More information about the schedule of events for 2024 within the commencement dates, number of tickets per graduate and instructions for seniors will follow soon. I’m looking forward to celebrating the class of 2024 and all that they have accomplished.
