Commencement

Spring 2020

Tuesday, May 19 from 9am-12pm at Zellerbach Playhouse.

9:00am., Zellerbach Playhouse
Reception immediately following at Ishi Court in Dwinelle Hall.

PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Celtic Studies, Comparative Literature, Dutch Studies, French, German, Italian Studies, Scandinavian, Slavic Languages & Literatures, and Spanish & Portuguese.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
TBA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS:

All students participating in the German ceremony should meet in Dwinelle Plaza at 8:30 am. If possible leave all valuables (purses, back-packs, etc) with family or friends so you don’t have to carry anything with you during the ceremony.

TICKETS
Due to limited seating, there is a limit of 5 tickets per graduate.  Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone at (510) 642-9988 and in person beginning late March or early April.   Links to the online ticket purchase site will be posted on this page in March.  Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Zellerbach Playhouse Box Office on the day of commencement.

Every guest needs a ticket, including children under 5 years. Tickets are $5.   Complimentary tickets for children under 5 are available.  Students participating in ceremony do not need a ticket for themselves.  Tickets go on sale in late March or early April.

There is no reserved seating at Zellerbach Playhouse; seating is first come, first seated; doors will open at approximately 8:30am for your guests.

PARKING

If you have a question about where your guests can park the day of the event please visit the website for Visitor Parking for both on- and off-campus parking options.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Because of fire laws, and for the safety of everyone, we ask that friends and family refrain from leaving their seats and standing in the aisles to take pictures or videos. Students participating in commencement are asked to pre-register with Grad Images for the University of CA Berkeley Languages Spring ceremony, so that they can be contacted afterwards with questions about delivery of images. All students who have pre-registered with Grad Images will receive their picture proofs via email within 24 hours after the ceremony. This email will contain the student’s PIN number that can be used to access that student’s pictures on Grad Image’s website. Students will also receive a picture proof in the mail 3-5 business days after the commencement ceremony. Students who would like their proof sent to any family members or friends, are welcome to register them.

CAP AND GOWN
While it is not required, most students wear the cap and gown for the ceremony. Caps and Gowns can be purchased at the Cal Student Store, at 2560 Bancroft Way, beginning late March and continuing through May.

Honor Cords: Students who have completed or are completing an Honors Thesis in German are eligible to purchase an honor cord to wear at Commencement. A list of honors students will be sent by the Department to the Cal Student Store to verify your eligibility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR UNDERGRADUATES:

DIPLOMAS:

Diploma & Verification of Degree— Diplomas are mailed automatically, approximately 3.5 months after graduation. In the meantime, students can request Verification from the Office of the Registrar in 120 Sproul Hall. Be sure to update your profile in CalCentral to ensure that your email and mailing addresses are up-to-date for accurate mailing of your diploma

Walking in Commencement v. Graduation — Participation in Commencement is a symbolic ceremony; walking with your major department does not constitute graduating from the University.   In order to review and confirm your official term for graduation, please visit the “My Academics” page of Cal Central.  Your expected graduation term (or EGT for fall, spring, or summer) is automatically generated and posted underneath your photo.  If you will not be completing all requirements for your degree by the end of your EGT, you will need to meet with an advisor in your college/school advising office.

Letters & Science— Advisors in 206 Evans Hall are available to confirm completion of College requirements, and provide information regarding graduating with transfer work (completing requirements elsewhere).

UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMMENCEMENT:

TBA
TBA am, California Memorial Stadium

Graduating seniors can also participate in the University campus-wide commencement ceremony in addition to the departmental ceremony. Please check their website for information about tickets, featured speaker and other important deadlines regarding participation.

QUESTIONS:

Please contact Nadia Samadi (germanic@berkeley.edu ) 510 642-7445.