Ticketing, Seating, Guest Information
- Graduates can purchase commencement ceremony tickets for guests in April.
- Commencement tickets are available via tickets.berkeley.edu, or by phone (510) 642-9988, or in person at the Zellerbach Hall Box Office during their business hours. Purchased tickets will be delivered by email only. Mail and will call delivery methods are not available. Students should email tickets@calperformances.org if they have not received their e-tickets or if they have any general questions.
- Guests must present their ticket to gain admittance to Zellerbach Hall. All guests, including children, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Tickets for children under 5 years old are free and can also be ordered through tickets.berkeley.edu.
- Ticketed guests will be welcomed to enter starting at 1:15 p.m. Guests who arrive late will be asked to quietly take their seats at the back so there is no disruption to the ceremony.
- All seating is general admission, not reserved, and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All commencement ticket sales are final. No refunds, no exceptions.
- Accessability for graduates and guests: If you or any of your guests require accommodations (e.g., wheelchair seating, sign language interpreter, etc.), please contact Jeanette Luong at luongj@berkeley.edu.
- Undergraduate and Masters graduates will be seated at the front center section of the auditorium. PhD graduates will be seated on the stage alongside the faculty. Here is a short video on how graduates are hooded.
Caps, Gowns, and Regalia
Graduates are responsible for providing their own regalia. Caps and gowns may be purchased from the Cal Student Store. For more information regarding caps and gowns, graduation announcements, and ordering yearbooks, please visit the Cal Student Store website or the brick-and-mortar store at 2495 Bancroft Way. Regalia can be purchased from other vendors, though it’s important to be sure the regalia matches BSE's colors.
The color of the hood by degree:
- BS in Educational Sciences: no hood
- MA in Education: white
- PhD in Education: royal blue
- EdD: powder blue
Watch short videos on how to wear academic regalia on Berkeley Engineering's YouTube channel.
Transportation
We recommend taking public transportation. Reserved parking is not available for commencement. If you choose to drive, please consult the campus map for directions. Public parking may be available in campus parking lots on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also park in the surrounding city parking lots.
Rates, hours, and restrictions in both campus and city lots may vary. Read all parking signs carefully.
Accessibility
The Berkeley School of Education wants to make the commencement ceremony accessible for all graduates and guests. If you or your guests attending the ceremony require accommodations, please contact Jeanette Luong, luongj@berkeley.edu.
Information on accessible parking spots can be found on the campus Parking and Transportation Department's website.
Commencement Photos
Professional photographers from GradImages Photo will photograph every graduate at the moment the scroll is given. For information about ordering photos, visit the GradImages website.
Printed Program
The names of degree candidates who register for commencement on time will be printed in the program. Upon request, a PDF of the commencement program is available for download and printing.
Non-Graduating Students, and Staff
Berkeley School of Education’s non-graduating students and staff are invited to attend commencement. Pick up a complimentary ticket from Student Services on the 4th floor of Berkeley Way West beginning on Monday, May 5. Student Services team members are available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also make an appointment by sending an email to bsecommencement@berkeley.edu. Please note: the last day to pick up a complimentary ticket is Tuesday, May 20 by 4:00 p.m.