This information will be updated for June 2025 soon.
View hotel map for information on local hotels and discounts for Commencement »
This information is for guests attending ceremonies at the Bren Events Center. Graduates participating in the ceremony will be emailed specifics about graduate entrance and what is/is not allowed as we get closer to the ceremony dates.
The Bren Events Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all patrons. Safety protocol will include a walk-through metal detector screening along with a standard bag check for all attendees and their clear bags prior to entering the facility. For security purposes, all clear bags are subject to search prior to entry for any event. Guests should plan their arrival accordingly to allow ample time for the screening process.
Tickets are required for all guests at all ceremonies. All guests over the age of 2 will need their own ticket. Children who are under the age of 2 and can remain on an adult's lap for the duration of the ceremony do not need a ticket. If a child or baby occupies a seat of their own, they will need a ticket.
All Commencement ceremonies have assigned seating. Section, row and seat location is specified on each individual ticket.
Tickets are limited and must have been reserved in advance by the graduate. All graduates will reserve their guest tickets and note guest accomodation needs during the registation process in early April. Graduates will register for up to a maximum of 5 guest tickets per graduate.
Guests must obtain tickets from their graduate PRIOR to the graduate’s ceremony line- up time. Guests are not allowed in the graduate check-in and line-up area. Tickets are not available at the door, nor will any be held for guest pick-up.
Your graduate will need to print copies of their reserved tickets to distribute to their guests prior to entering the graduate check-in and line-up area.
If a guest requires accomodations for seating, please ask your graduate to make that request to the Commencement Office during the registration process in early April. If a change needs to be made after registration, the graduate can email the Commencement Office to request the change in their registration. Guest tickets and guest accomodation seating requests CAN ONLY be made directly to the Commencement Office by the graduate. The Commencement Office can not distribute tickets directly to guests or make changes to graduate accounts unless the request is made specifically by the graduate.
Family and guests should plan to arrive at the Bren Events Center at least 90 minutes before the event to allow ample time for parking and traffic congestion. Guests will also be required to go through a security check before entering the venue.
The Bren Events Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all patrons. Safety protocol will include a walk-through metal detector screening along with a standard clear bag check for all attendees prior to entering the facility. For security purposes, all clear bags are subject to search prior to entry for any event.
Guests should plan their arrival accordingly to allow ample time for the screening process.
Before attending an event on the UC Irvine campus, guests should review the Full code of fan conduct »
All ceremonies take place at the Bren Events Center on the main UCI campus. Please see the Directions & Parking page for directions and additional information.
Disabled/elderly parking for ceremonies held in the Bren Events Center will be located in the Mesa Parking Structure and parking lot 14A. Traffic directors will be available to guide drivers needing accessible parking.
Golf carts will be available to transport elderly/disabled guests from the Student Center Parking Structure (SCPS) and parking lot 14A to the Bren Events Center and back. Cart service is limited to the disabled/elderly guest and one family member.
Disabled/elderly passengers may be dropped off in designated areas near the Bren Events Center.
No. Guests should inform the parking attendant upon arrival at the parking structure of any assistance needed.
Guests should not contact UCI Parking & Transportation to request a disabled parking space.
Ushers are located throughout the venue and can provide guest assistance such as:
A variety of concessions are available inside the venue. Outside food or drink, other than a water bottle, are not permitted.
Each ceremony will be approximately one hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of graduates in the ceremony. The Graduate Hooding Ceremony will be longer- approximately 2- 2.5 hours.
Guests should designate a place to meet their graduate after the ceremony - the plaza will be crowded with guests and graduates exiting multiple areas of the facility!
Out of respect for the graduates and their guests, attendees are asked to remain for the duration of the ceremony.
The Commencement Office is unable to provide invitation letters to assist guests in obtaining visas to attend their graduate's ceremony.
Find more gift options on the Gifts page »
Commencement Flowers will have booths where you can purchase flower and lei gifts for your graduate before each ceremony at the Bren Events Center.
See the full selection of flower gifts for your graduate and more information about their products and flowers on their website.
Order ahead online for pickup before the ceremony. To pick up your order, give your name at one of the Commencement Flowers booths near the Bren Events Center.
The Commencement Program lists the names of all qualified students who applied on time for graduation. The digital program will be available online starting June 12.
