Commencement

Although there are four possible dates of graduation each year (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall), commencement ceremonies are held only once a year in June.  Students whose names are on the degree list for one of the quarters in the current calendar year and who have completed or who plan to complete all degree requirements are eligible to participate in these ceremonies.

For information on commencement reservations and deadlines please visit the UCSB Commencement page.  

Seniors who wish to participate in commencement must make a reservation using GOLD

Making a commencement reservation and receiving an official degree require two separate actions on GOLD.  Undergraduate students must declare candidacy via GOLD to officially graduate and receive a degree and diploma from UCSB.   See Declaring Candidacy for Graduation for more information.  Detailed information on declaring candidacy, commencement, and the entire graduation process can be found in the The Path to Graduation: Undergraduate Student Graduation Checklist

 commencement

Recognition of Honors at commencement ceremonies

The blue and gold fourragère, the braided cord worn over the shoulder of the commencement gown, distinguishes those students who:

  • have achieved Highest Honors in the College of Letters and Science and the College of Engineering (based on the GPA chart below), or
  • are qualified for College Honors in the College of Letters and Science by completing 135.0 or more letter-grade UC units with a grade point average of at least 3.85, or
  • are in the College of Letters and Science Honors Program and have earned the Academic Excellence Award.

Helpful Links:

  • Cap and Gown information: UCSB Campus Store: (805) 893-2172
  • Announcement information: UCSB Campus Store: (800) 433-0296
  • Link to UCSB General Catalog list of degrees and majors offered at UCSB:
  • Diploma Frames and UCSB merchandise: UCSB Campus Store: (805) 893-8321 
  • Diplomas are not handed out during commencement ceremonies.  Please visit our Diplomas page for more information on when students will receive their diplomas.