Graduation Ceremony

Tickets are not needed by graduates and guests to attend. The stadium has ample seating for guests. We ask that graduates RSVP for the ceremony to give us a head count of how many to anticipate, but the RSVP is not required to attend.

There is no rehearsal for the ceremony.

A cap and gown are FREE this year for graduates. Graduates will need to wear a cardinal colored cap and gown to the ceremony. You can pick up a set in the bookstore during normal operating hours. We will also have them available on the day of Commencement when you check in for graduation at the practice field.

Graduates typically dress business casual or cocktail attire, but not required. We recommend that you wear flat-soled shoes and DO NOT wear high heels, as graduates will be walking across the turf field for the processional and will be standing and walking short distances. 

Members of religious orders or commissioned U.S. military officers may wear their customary habit or dress uniform if you would prefer.

Yes! Caps can be decorated but must not block the view of any graduates on the field.

Regalia gowns may not be altered or decorated. Gowns must remain in the state they were purchased as that is the appropriate and approved regalia for our ceremonies.

Sashes and stoles representing organizations, honors, an individual’s culture or identity, or proclaiming a vocational aspiration may be worn with cap and gown. Wearing multiple stoles is permitted.

Recognition cords, pins and medals awarded by Saddleback organizations and departments may also be worn with cap and gown.

Students participating in Commencement may not carry signs, banners, flags or anything on a pole so as to avoid obstructing views or endangering the safety of other participants or disrupt or interrupt the event. 

Graduates should also refrain from bringing air horns, noisemakers, and other large objects.

We ask that graduates leave all personal items in their car or with guests. We have no secure place to store them and will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Graduates can bring water onto the field. 

For students completing degrees, if you've earned academic honors based on your cumulative GPA such as cum laude (3.5-3.74), magna cum laude (3.75-3.99), or summa cum laude (4.00), you will be issued the appropriate tassel and/or cord. Graduates can pick this up at the Grad Celebration on May 14 or during check-in on the day of Commencement.

During the commencement ceremony, you will be handed the cover for your diploma/certificate.  Diplomas and certificates will be mailed at a later date in the fall to all candidates who have completed their requirements.  If you move, please update your address online through MySite to ensure that you receive your diploma. Contact Admissions and Records with any questions.

Graduates can begin arriving at 3:30 p.m. to begin check-in at the practice fields directly behind the stadium. Check-in will be closer to Lot 1a side. Graduates must be ready to line up by 5 p.m. on the practice fields for the processional. Please allow adequate time to check in with Admissions and Records to receive your name card.

Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided to graduates at the gymnasium landing.

Faculty will check in at the practice fields as well. This will be a great time to get a photo and talk with your professors before the ceremony.

If you need special accommodations for yourself, you may email Dr. Penny Skaff, Dean of Counseling and Special Programs, at sc-ecounselor@saddleback.edu at least a week prior to the ceremony.

Graduates will be led by line Marshals to begin lining up on each side of the stage.

You will take a picture in front of a Saddleback branded banner and then proceed to the stage.

You will hand your name card to the reader who will announce your name as you walk across the stage. Please be sure to write your name legibly. If you have a name that may be mispronounced by others, please write your name phonetically for the announcer (i.e. chris/tuh/fer).

Graduates will receive a diploma/certificate cover and shake hands with President Stern or Chancellors Barnes before exiting the stage in the center. 

No parking passes are required. Parking is free on campus during the Commencement Ceremony.

• Guest drop off will be available in Lot 1A.
• Disabled Parking will available in Lots 1B and 1A.
• Closest parking to the venue for guests are Lots 1, 4, 5B, 5, 5A. and 7.
• A shuttle will be going between lots to assist individuals who may need a ride to the venue.

Click here to access a campus map and driving directions.

Yes! We want you to capture the moment! Photo opportunities for students and guests will be available before and after the ceremony at various locations around the stadium. We will also have congratulatory signs for you to take pictures in front of before and after the ceremony.

Professional photographers by Grad Images will be taking pictures during the event for purchase after commencement. https://www.gradimages.com/

The Ceremony is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of graduates. We ask that graduates stay for the entire ceremony.

Yes, the link to the livestream and a digital copy of the commencement booklet will be available on the commencement website.

Guests may begin arriving at 3:30 p.m. The stadium will be open at this time for guests to begin getting seats. Provide ample time for parking and to ensure time to get to seats in the stadium, as they are first come first serve.

There is a section on the home team side that has backed chairs. Arrive early if you may need seating in that location.

No parking passes are required. Parking is free on campus during the Commencement Ceremony.

• Guest drop off will be available in Lot 1A.
• Disabled Parking will be available in Lots 1B and 1A.
• Closest parking to the venue for guests are Lots 1, 4, 5B, 5, 5A. and 7.
• A shuttle will be going between lots to assist individuals who may need a ride to the stadium entrance.

Click here to access a campus map and driving directions. 

The stadium is not a covered space. We suggest sitting on the home team side as the sun will be directly behind that side of the stadium once the ceremony begins.

As a courtesy to all guests, we ask that attendees not bring air horns, noisemakers or large objects such as signs, banners, flags or anything on a pole so as to avoid obstructing views or endangering the safety of other participants or disrupt or interrupt the event. 

Volunteers will be available to answer guest questions throughout the venue. They will be wearing commencement badges.

ADA seating is available in locations throughout the stadium. Wheelchair seating is available on the lower concourse areas and at the top of the stadium on the home team side (accessible via elevator). 

Most seating is bench seating, but there is a section on the home team side that has backed chairs. Arrive early if you may need seating in that location.

Concessions will be available during the ceremony serving coffee, drinks, and small snacks.

The bookstore will have a tent set up near concessions for purchase of items.

A First Aid Tent will be on site near the concession area for graduates and guests.

Professional photographers by Grad Images will be taking pictures during the event for purchase after ceremony. https://www.gradimages.com/

The Ceremony is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of graduates. 

Yes, the link to the livestream and a digital copy of the commencement booklet will be available on the commencement website.