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

Commencement ceremonies are held once per year in June to honor and celebrate the achievements of students.

Students whose names are on the degree list for one of the quarters in the current calendar year (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall) and who have completed or who plan to complete all degree requirements are eligible to participate in these ceremonies.

Participation in the commencement ceremony, also known as "walking," does not mean that a student has officially applied for or received a degree. 

Please visit "Earning Your Degree" for information on how to declare candidacy and officially earn your UCSB degree and diploma. 

Participation in commencement ceremonies is optional.

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

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 (based on the GPA chart) in the College of Letters and Science or the College of Engineering (must complete 60.0 or more letter-graded UC units), 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
  • have successfully completed the College of Letters and Science Honors Program.

Helpful Links

  • Link to UCSB General Catalog list of degrees and majors offered at UCSB:
  • Diploma Frames and UCSB merchandise: 
  • Diplomas are not handed out during commencement ceremonies. 
    Please visit our Diplomas page for more information on when students will receive their diplomas.


If you have any questions about information on this page, please email GraduationMatters@sa.ucsb.edu.