Graduate Instructions

Instructions for CHI/LAT Graduates

Friday, June 12th, 2026 

Celebration begins promptly at 6 PM

As a reminder, if you are scheduled to participate in the UC Davis Commencement Ceremony at the Golden 1 Center on Friday, June 12 at 2:30 PM, please be aware that you must leave for Davis immediately after the ceremony concludes in order to arrive at Latinx Graduation check-in by 5:30 PM.

Out of respect for all graduates, their families, and guests, early departures from UC Davis Commencement are not permitted. We ask that all participants stay until the end of the ceremony. 

Guide and Maps

Indoor Venue Map - https://ucdavis.box.com/s/x05tm30edxws9gfv7sa3gfhkv006z5gu

Graduate Check-in Video - https://ucdavis.box.com/s/sdsts5lkwv8wupjueggnspgccfaytewz

Items to bring with you: 

  • UC Davis Cap and gown 

  • Flag of your choice no bigger 12x18 inches

  • Keep personal belongings to a minimum

The following items will be prohibited:

  • No large bags, backpacks, oversized purses, or items larger than 12" x 12"
  • Animals (except service animals).
  • Artificial noisemakers or noise making devices of any kind.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Balloons
  • Hard-Sided Coolers.
  • Laser pointers.
  • Selfie-sticks.
  • Signs or flags larger than 3' x 2'
  • Tripods.
  • Tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
  • No firearms, explosives or other weapons.
  • Any other item(s) determined by event management to be dangerous or inappropriate will not be allowed into the venue.

For Graduating Participants

  1. Please remember to bring your cap and gown. Graduate Check-In will start at 4:00 PM at Southeast Lobby and you need to arrive by 5:30 PM at the latest!  Do not arrive later than 5:30 PM or earlier than 4:00 PM.  Any graduates that arrive later than 5:30 PM will be asked to wait until the procession has ended to take a seat. We will not allow seating after 6 PM. We will not be making any exceptions. 

  2.  Please keep in mind that there will be high traffic levels on all roads as it is graduation weekend and there are other graduation ceremonies happening nearby. Finding parking will also take longer than usual so please plan accordingly. Parking is Sponsored by TAPS for all guests and Graduates from 2:00 - 9:00 PM in the Hutchison (West Entry) Parking Structure and parking lot 25 (in front of the ARC). There will be no refunds for those that pay for parking. 

  3. Upon Arrival at Hutchison Field, please check-in at the designated Graduate Check-in table inside the Southeast Lobby of the U Center as in the video. Once you enter you will see the graduate check-in table. Please make sure you get in line by looking for the Letter of your FIRST name. Make sure you DO NOT lose your name cards as you will need them to walk across the stage.

  4. In addition to your name cards, this year we will have LIMITED flags (5x8 inches) from different nationalities and identities that will be available for graduates on a first come first serve basis. You are also welcome to please bring any flag that you feel represents you! We ask that you be mindful of your fellow graduates who will be seated around you and bring flags NO BIGGER than 12 by 18 inches.

  5. Once you have your name card, please proceed down to the main floor. To access the stairs head to the right side of the check-in table. If you need access to the elevator, please walk to the left and enter the hallway towards the Southwest entrance.

  6. There is assigned seating for performers, accommodations, graduate & professional students, keynote speakers, and guest floor passes.

Refer to the Indoor Venue Map for seating arrangements below: 

  • Purple: Performers (DDA, Calpulli Huitzilin & Mariachi UCD) ONLY

  • Green: Guest Floor Passes ONLY

  • Orange: Graduate, Professionals, and keynote speakers ONLY

  • Blue: Accommodation Seating ONLY

  1. Once on the main floor, you will have the opportunity to take your Headshot, between 4–5:30 PM. If you check in after 5:30 PM, you can take your headshot after crossing the stage. If you take your headshot before crossing, please take your seat after crossing the stage. DO NOT take a second headshot.

  2. After taking your headshot, please take a seat, seats are first come first serve except for the assigned seating. Please DO NOT save seats for your friends if they are not already there with you. If you would like to sit with your friends, you have to walk in together to the U Center, no exceptions. 

  3. Starting at 5:00 PM there will be performances by Cascabel del Rios, Calpulli Huitzilin and the UC Davis Mariachi. Please take your seats early to enjoy the performances.

  4. Once the program begins we will have keynote speakers, followed by a performance by Danzantes del Alma (DDA). After the DDA Performance each row will be prompted to get up and get in line to cross the stage. Please be sure to pay attention to when you need to get up and follow the walking path instructions provided by the volunteers. Take all personal belongings with you. (Note: Make sure you have your name card ready to hand to the person reading your name before you cross the stage). 

  5.  Volunteers will be guiding you to where you need to be seated. Please make sure you are actively paying attention to the instructions given by the volunteer wearing the Teal Volunteer Vests. 

  6. Once your name is announced, walk across the stage, shake hands with a stage party member, and receive a rolled-up letter from El Centro. A photographer will take a candid photo—please do not stop to pose. Keep walking and exit the stage promptly. There will be another opportunity for an individual photo afterward.

  7. After you walk off stage, please follow the path as instructed by the volunteers. Inform the volunteer if you need to take your picture or return to your seat. Head to the photo backdrops for your individual headshot (if you did NOT take one earlier). There will be volunteers to guide you toward Photo Line 1, Photo Line 2, Photo Line 3. Please be mindful that these are intended to be quick headshots.

  8. Once you take your individual picture, you will walk back to your seat. Please pay attention to the volunteers instructions to avoid any confusion.

  9. Once everyone has crossed the stage, we will have Dr. Pablo G. Reguerín, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, have closing remarks and then Rodrigo Bonilla, Director of El Centro, and the stage party will kick off the Dancing Celebration. Join us for a celebratory dance at your seat. 

  10. Once the Dance Celebration ends, the volunteer group leads will guide your row out to Hutchinson Field where your family can meet you. All families will proceed to exit once all graduates have exited the U Center.

*There will be water stations for students to grab on the lower level, refer to venue map diagram for directions*