Virtual Commencement 2020 FAQs

Fall California FAQs

- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -

Please carefully read the commencement ceremony instructions below.

Sunday, November 13, 2022
4:00 pm
Graduate pre-commencement celebration (Grad Bash) and check-in 2:30 pm
Guest doors open 3:00 pm

Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806

Eligible Participants

Who is included in the 2022 California Fall Commencement Ceremony?

We will be honoring the following graduates:

Center For Graduate Studies

On-Ground California Campuses

Online Programs (August through December)

This includes:

Graduate and Guest Ticket Information

All graduates and guests attending the ceremony require printed tickets for entry. Tickets must be retrieved using the graduates WCU school email and claimed by November 11, 2022. If tickets are not claimed by the deadline, tickets will be considered forfeited.

Safety regulations require that all guests, including children (regardless of age), have an assigned ticket. Graduate tickets cannot be used for guest seating. Additional tickets are not available.

Ticket information was sent directly to graduates via WCU email.

*Note: Tickets are not for sale or resale and are non-transferable. Selling tickets is prohibited and violates WCU’s Student Conduct Policies and Procedures. Anyone caught selling or creating counterfeit tickets will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony and may be referred to the Conduct Committee, where possible sanctions may include but are not limited to the rescinding of the degree.

Ceremony Participation

Arrival and Check-in:

Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony are asked to arrive no later than 2:30 pm for a pre-commencement celebration (Grad Bash) and to begin the check-in process. The graduate entrance is located at the Honda Center Lot 3 area. Graduates must bring their official graduate printed ticket and picture ID for check-in. Graduates are to arrive in commencement regalia. No late arrivals will be permitted once doors close.

Graduates will be unable to see or visit with guests upon entering the Honda Center. Please note there is a no re-entry policy once inside the venue.

All graduates and guests will be subject to metal detector screening.

Graduates and Guests, please enter the parking lot via Gate 3 and park in designated Main Lots 1, 2 and 4. Parking is $25.

Attire:

Academic regalia is required for participation in the Commencement Ceremony. Cap and gown purchase is not available on the day of the ceremony. Business casual attire is recommended underneath the gown. Cap decorations should be professional and a representation of your educational accomplishments.

Please leave any personal items with your guests. The venue has implemented the following bag policy: Single pocket clutches and wallets smaller than 5 in. x 9 in. x 2 in. are permitted through all entrances and are subject to manual inspection. All other purses/bags/clutches will not be permitted into the venue. Guests who require a diaper bag or purse/bag for items medical in nature, such as prescription medication, breast pumps, and other special medical equipment, are permitted as long as they are within 16 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. These medical and diaper bags are required to go through additional screening and inspection. Strollers are not permitted inside the venue.

Graduate Seating:

Upon entry, graduates will be directed to their corresponding campus seating section. Graduates will be seated according to their campus and degree program before the ceremony begins. Graduates are to remain seated during the program and will not be able to leave until ceremony is finished.

Graduate pass will be provided and must be completed to walk across stage.

Graduates will be unable to see or visit with guests upon entering the Honda Center. Please note there is a no re-entry policy once inside the venue.

Presentation of Diplomas and Photos on Stage:

Watch for instructions and directions from the floor marshals to prepare for line-up to walk across the stage.


Recessional:

The ceremony will end with a graduate recessional. Watch for instructions and directions from the floor marshals to prepare for grand exit. Please make sure to take all personal belongings. Once graduate exits for the recessional, there will be no venue re-entry.

Commencement Program:

Commencement Programs will be available to view on the WCU Commencement website prior to your ceremony.

Official Diplomas and Transcripts:

Please contact your campus Career Services Office for your official diploma.

Photography:

Professional photographers will be onsite to take graduate photos. A web link to view photography will be sent to the graduates a few weeks after the ceremony.

Refreshments:

Eating prior to arrival is highly recommended. No outside food or drinks will be permitted.

Light refreshments are available for guests to purchase. Only cashless payment methods are accepted. All major credit, debit, and mobile payments are accepted throughout Honda Center. Cash is no longer accepted.

Safety Protocol & Accommodations:

During the ceremony, we will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols. Masks are not required but encouraged.

For special accommodations, guests are to report to Guest Services, located in section 214.

For more information, please visit the commencement website: commencement.westcoastuniversity.edu.

Please email WCUcommencement@westcoastuniversity.edu for additional information.

Questions?

Please monitor your designated email and the commencement website for updates.