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SCU Undergraduate Commencement
June 15, 2024 - 8:30 a.m.

Stevens Stadium, Santa Clara University Campus

 

The following information was sent to all eligible undergraduates on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Class of 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Information

Dear Graduates and Guests,

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Santa Clara University’s Class of 2024 at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 15. Commencement is a day of celebration, to honor the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have brought each of you and your loved ones to this important milestone. 

We ask that everyone attending our graduation ceremonies, maintain the decorum, respect, and recognition this occasion deserves. 

This email contains important information for both graduates and guests regarding Commencement Weekend.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Commencement Liturgy
Friday, June 14, 4:00 p.m., Stevens Stadium

Grad Bash
Friday, June 14, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Bellomy Field

Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 15, 8:30 a.m., Stevens Stadium

Faculty Reception
Saturday, June 15, 11:30 a.m., St. Ignatius/Daly Science Lawns


PARKING

Parking on the SCU Campus during Commencement Weekend is complimentary for graduates and their guests. However, both standard parking and ADA parking will be severely impacted due to the large crowds expected, so please arrive early to Commencement events.

Designated ADA parking is located on the first floor of the Main Parking Structure. Guests must have a valid ADA placard to park in this designated ADA parking area. 

We strongly recommend using rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or carpooling to campus, if possible. To access the rideshare and ADA drop-off area, please enter the University through the main entrance at 500 El Camino Real and stay to the right towards Charney Hall.

Please see the Commencement Parking Map 2024 for reference. 

The primary approved parking lots for graduates and guests on Commencement weekend are:


2024 Commencement Weekend Parking Map

COMMENCEMENT LITURGY
Graduates and their families are invited to join us for the Commencement Liturgy on Friday, June 14 at 4:00 p.m. in Stevens Stadium. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.  All are welcome to attend as this is a non-ticketed event. Please let us know of your intention to join us at the Commencement Liturgy by registering here. A livestream of the Commencement Liturgy can be viewed on the Commencement Website.


GRAD BASH
The Alumni Association will host a celebration on Bellomy Field on Friday, June 14 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., immediately following the Commencement Liturgy. The event will include food, beverages, music, lawn games, and photo ops. Please note that this is a ticketed event.

A few reminders from the Alumni Association for those attending Grad Bash on Friday, June 14: 

  • Gates open at 5:30 p.m. 
  • Please have your tickets ready to scan (printed or mobile device)
  • If you have any ticketing issues, the Info Booth in the Cowell Center parking lot will open at 4:30 p.m.

Please visit the Grad Bash website for more information on tickets, parking, event layout, route maps, menu, and more.


UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be held in Stevens Stadium at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 15. Gates open at 7:15 a.m. and we encourage guests to arrive early as we are expecting large crowds on Commencement morning.

California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin J. Jenkins, SCU class of ’77, will address the Class of 2024. For more information on Justice Jenkins, read the press release.

Guest Tickets
In order to be admitted to the Commencement Ceremony, guests must present a valid Guest Ticket which can be printed or screenshot. Children ages 2 and under do not require a ticket for entry.

  • Each Guest Ticket has its own unique QR code and is required for guest entry. Only one scan per ticket will be allowed. Duplicate scans of the same QR code will not be permitted. 
  • Re-admittance - those who need to leave once inside the stadium will have their hand stamped by an SCU staff member in order to gain access back into the stadium.
  • Guest seating is on a first come, first served basis for both field and bleacher seating.

GradPass
In order for graduates to have their name read aloud at the ceremony, graduates must arrive with their GradPass, which should be printed and saved as a screenshot on their mobile device. The GradPass is each graduate’s ticket, which has a unique QR code and is required for entry. We recommend graduates print their GradPass to expedite the scanning process.

Graduate Line Up
Graduates will line up at 7:45 a.m. on the Alameda and Santa Clara Malls. University Staff will be stationed there to assist graduates in lining up by proper school and line order. Each graduate’s ‘Line Up’ number is listed on their GradPass to help guide them properly into the Commencement ceremony.   

Photos
Graduates will have their photo taken by a professional photographer (GradImages) as they cross the stage. These digital proofs will be emailed to graduates 10-15 business days after Commencement with the opportunity to purchase the stage-crossing photos.

Commencement Program
The Commencement program is available for download and viewing on the Commencement website. Guests attending the Commencement ceremony will be able to access the digital program via QR code which will be provided to guests upon arrival. Printed programs will be placed on all graduates' seats at the Commencement ceremony. Only graduates that were deemed eligible to participate in Commencement by April 24 will have their names included in the Commencement program.

ADA Tent/Locatelli Cooling Center
For those requiring extra assistance, an ADA tent will be located on the north end of Stevens Stadium (via the Main Entrance) which will offer extended aisles and rows. These seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. To accommodate as many guests requiring disabled seating as possible, each person will be allowed one companion seat.

We are also happy to offer ticketed guests the option of viewing the Commencement livestream in the Locatelli Cooling Center. This indoor venue is located near the South Entrance of Stevens Stadium.  

As mentioned above, the designated ADA drop-off area can be accessed through the main entrance at 500 El Camino Real. Signage and staff will be on the corner of Palm Drive and Sherman Street near Charney Hall.

Please note that the University does not provide wheelchairs for guests attending Commencement. Should you need to rent a wheelchair, we recommend contacting Bischoff’s Medical & Mobility at (408) 286-6651 or Brannon's Medical at (408) 448-3000. 

Commencement Stadium Map 2024

Commencement Livestream
For those wanting to view the Commencement Ceremony online, a livestream of Undergraduate Commencement will be hosted on the Commencement website on June 15.

Flower Sales At Commencement
An SCU-approved flower vendor will be selling flowers/leis at four locations across campus on Commencement both before and after the ceremony. All purchases must be made using a credit card/Apple Pay as cash will not be accepted.

SECURITY & CLEAR BAG POLICY

There will be security screenings for all events in Stevens Stadium.

Our priority is to ensure that everyone can fully witness, capture, and experience this wonderful accomplishment in the lives of each of our graduates and their friends and loved ones. Disruptions and blocked views or pathways will not be permitted during the event to maintain a safe and positive environment.

Per the University's Clear Bag Policy, guests may bring in one of the following:

  • One clear bag, 12" x 6" x 12" (consistent with best practices for most stadium and arena venues)
  • One plastic gallon storage bag
  • One small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5")

A full list of prohibited items can be found HERE.

As an additional safety measure, the University will be deploying enhanced security screening equipment for Commencement events called OPENGATE®. "OPENGATE® is the first and only fully open, active walk-through detection system, composed of two free standing pillars." Please allow additional time for screening. Guests with prohibited items will be required to return them to their vehicles. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of Commencement Weekend events.

A strict Clear Bag Policy with OPENGATE® technology will afford all graduates and guests a safe and secure environment to celebrate their accomplishments.


FACULTY RECEPTION

Immediately following the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to attend a faculty reception for their respective schools. These receptions will be held in the following locations near the front of the Mission Church:

Business, Arts, & Sciences: St. Ignatius Lawn
Engineering: Daly Science Lawn 

 

IMPORTANT COMMENCEMENT DAY REMINDERS

  • Gates open at 7:15 a.m. for the 8:30 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
  • Attendees may only enter with a bag that adheres to the SCU Clear Bag Policy. 
  • Attendees are permitted to bring a clear, unopened bottle of water or an empty, non-metal, reusable water bottle. In addition, water filling stations and cups will be available inside Stevens Stadium.
  • The Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for all to view and the link will be available on the Commencement website.
  • To receive emergency and safety-related messages on your smart device from SCU Bronco Alert, text “SCUEVENTS" to 226787 (CAMPUS) on the morning of June 15th to subscribe.
  • The official hashtags to share tributes and memories on social media for the Class of 2024 are #SCU2024 and #SCUGrad
  • Additional and informative FAQs are located on the Commencement website.

We encourage all graduates to share this information with their guests so they are aware of the Commencement weekend details.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2024 and their families and friends to the Santa Clara University campus on Commencement weekend. 

Congratulations!

The SCU Commencement Team

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Questions?

Email us at commencement@scu.edu