SCU Graduate Commencements
June 15, 2024
Stevens Stadium, Santa Clara University Campus
The following information was sent to all eligible graduate students on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Dear Graduates and Guests,
We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Santa Clara University’s Class of 2024 at the Graduate Commencement ceremonies 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
Graduate Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, June 15, 4:30 p.m., Stevens Stadium: Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries and the School of Education and Counseling Psychology
Saturday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., Stevens Stadium: Leavey School of Business and School of Engineering
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.
The 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 the Panetta Plaza at Charney Hall.
Please see the Commencement Parking Map 2024 for reference.
The primary approved parking lots for graduates and guests on Commencement weekend are:
- Main Campus Parking Structure - 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053 (ADA parking on the first floor)
- North Campus Parking Garage - 1063 Alviso Street, Santa Clara, CA 95053
- Guadalupe Hall Lot - 455 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
- Loyola Hall Lot - 425 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
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.
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
The Graduate Commencement ceremonies will be held in Stevens Stadium on Saturday, June 15. Gates open half an hour before the start of each ceremony and we encourage guests to arrive early as we are expecting large crowds.
Guest Tickets
In order to be admitted, 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 half an hour before each ceremony on the Alameda Mall. 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 the week of Commencement. 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.
Commencement Livestream
For those wanting to view the Commencement Ceremony online, a livestream of Graduate 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 & 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.
IMPORTANT COMMENCEMENT DAY REMINDERS
- Gates half an hour before each Graduate 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