Overview

The information included in this page is intended to serve as an overview of the information students in the Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program should consider as they prepare to graduate. Students are encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program to review their degree progress and address any questions/concerns regarding their eligibility to graduate and participate in the commencement ceremonies 

You can access the UCLA Commencement website here.

You can download a pdf copy of the Public Affairs Guide to Graduation here.

The 2024 Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony is scheduled on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3:00pm (PST). Click here for details.

Graduation and Commencement: What’s the difference?

While most students use the terms “graduation” and “commencement” interchangeably, the terms have very different definitions. “Graduating” refers to the act of completing all degree requirements. The quarter you complete all degree requirements is called degree candidacy term or degree expected term. “Commencement” refers to the ceremonies reserved for students who are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies during that academic year. For example, if you are completing all degree requirements in Summer 2024, you are graduating September 2024 and participating in the June 2024 commencement ceremonies. 

Commencement ceremonies are optional and attendance is not required in order to obtain your diploma. Because departments and student organizations host ceremonies for their respective student populations, a UCLA undergraduate student can participate in several ceremonies during commencement weekend.  

Graduation Checklist
Commencement Checklist
After Final Quarter Checklist
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Graduation Checklist

OVERVIEW
Your degree candidacy term (or, degree expected term) refers to the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements. You can view your degree candidacy term on your Degree Audit Report (DARS) in the top left section of the DARS header. If you have not declared your degree candidacy, you will see a blank entry in DARS. You may declare or correct your degree candidacy term on MyUCLA > Academics > “Declare Candidacy Term.”

HOW TO DECLARE OR CHANGE YOUR DEGREE CANDIDACY TERM
You can access the Declaration of Candidacy form via MyUCLA > Academics > Declare Candidacy Term, or via the UCLA Registrar’s Office website here.

DEADLINE TO DECLARE
In order to graduate and participate in commencement you must have a declared degree candidacy term. The last day to declare candidacy for the current term (fall, winter, or spring) is Friday of finals week. The last day to declare candidacy for the summer term is Friday of the sixth week of summer session C.

FEES
There are no fees for declaring or changing your degree candidacy term.

QUESTIONS?
For questions about your eligibility to change your degree candidacy term, contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center.

Students who are interested in participating in the Luskin and UCLA Commencement ceremonies must review and confirm their privacy restrictions on their official UCLA record. You can review and confirm your privacy restrictions via MyUCLA > Settings > Privacy Options.   

If a student has a directory or FERPA restriction, UCLA departments are restricted from including the student’s information in any commencement ceremony materials. This means that your name cannot be included in the Luskin Commencement bulletin if you choose “Selected” for the FERPA Restriction Status, or choose “Do Not Release” for the All Public Information Privacy Option.

Having a directory or FERPA restriction may also restrict UCLA from providing degree confirmation to future employers and/or graduate/professional programs. If you have a FERPA restriction and would like to change it, you must contact the UCLA Registrar’s Office.  

The deadline to update your privacy restrictions for the 2024 Luskin Commencement ceremony is May 10, 2024 (Spring quarter, week 6). This deadline is intended for commencement purposes only. You can update your privacy restrictions at any time.  

Beginning week 4 of your degree candidacy term, confirm the spelling of your name as it should appear on your diploma, by submitting your diploma request on MyUCLA > Academics > Diploma Request. This feature allows you to edit your name and to add special accents and punctuation.  

Every year, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs publishes the Luskin Commencement bulletin, which lists the names of all the Luskin graduate and undergraduate degree candidates. Unless a student has a directory or FERPA restriction, their name will be automatically included in the Luskin Commencement bulletin.

To ensure their preferred name is published in the Luskin Commencement bulletin, students must complete the following steps:

  1. Review and confirm your privacy restrictions on your official UCLA record by going to MyUCLA > Settings > Privacy Options. Your name cannot be included in the Luskin Commencement bulletin if you choose “Selected” for the FERPA Restriction Status, and/or choose “Do Not Release” for the All Public Information Privacy Option.
  2. Submit the Preferred Name for the Public Affairs Commencement Ceremony Form (linked here) beginning March 27, 2024 and no later than April 26, 2024.

The Preferred Name form linked above must be submitted by all B.A. in Public Affairs degree candidates. If the student does not submit the Preferred Name form and they do not have a directory or FERPA restriction, the Luskin Commencement bulletin will list the student’s lived name as noted in the University’s student records.

Public Affairs majors are encouraged to schedule regular appointments with a Public Affairs academic counselor to discuss their progress and outline a strategic degree plan that accounts for their degree requirements as well as their career and graduate/professional school plans. To schedule an appointment with a Public Affairs academic counselor, submit your appointment request via MyUCLA Message Center.

If you are a graduating senior, you are encouraged to schedule a degree check appointment with a Public Affairs academic counselor to ensure you are on track to complete all degree requirements by your intended degree candidacy term. If you are pursuing a minor or double/triple major, you should also meet with your major/minor department counselor to confirm that your completed and in progress coursework will satisfy your remaining major/minor requirements. 

Students pursuing the B.A. in Public Affairs are eligible to graduate with up to three honors designations: Latin Honors, Departmental Honors, and College Honors. Read the information below to learn more about each honors designation.

LATIN HONORS 

To be eligible to graduate with Latin Honors, students must complete at least 90 graded UC units (not P/NP) and meet the Latin Honors GPA benchmarks. Transfer students must complete at least 76 graded UC units (not P/NP) and meet the Latin Honors GPA benchmarks to be eligible to graduate with Latin Honors. The Latin Honors GPA benchmarks are listed in your DARS (“Latin Honors” module) and on the Registrar’s Office website. The official Latin Honors designation on your diploma is based on your final grades at the time of degree completion.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS 

Students who successfully complete the Public Affairs Departmental Honors program and who are nominated by the Public Affairs Faculty Advisory Committee, will receive Departmental Honors on their transcript and diploma.

COLLEGE HONORS 

Public Affairs majors who complete the College Honors Program requirements are eligible to graduate with College Honors. If you are completing the College Honors Program requirements, you must submit the College Honors Candidacy Form to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program at the link below: 

Please allow 5-10 business days for processing. Upon receipt, a Public Affairs academic counselor will review your request and complete a degree check, after which, the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program will submit the form on your behalf to the Honors Programs office. DO NOT submit your College Honors Candidacy Form directly to the Honors Programs office as this will delay the review and processing of your form. 

For 2023-2024 degree candidates, the deadline to submit the College Honors Candidacy Form to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program is March 28, 2024.  

Public Affairs majors who are interested in going above and beyond the minimum Public Affairs capstone preparation workshop requirement may choose to pursue the Luskin Leadership Development Series Certificate of Completion. Students who complete the Luskin Leadership Development Certificate of Completion will have their names included in the Awards Booklet handed out during commencement and will receive a physical certificate.

In order to obtain the certificate of completion, students must complete the following workshop requirements before Friday of Week 8 of the student’s graduating quarter:

  • 3 Career Paths Workshops
  • 3 Career Skills Workshops
  • 1 Community Impact Training
  • 1 Volunteer Activity (formerly, Field Trip)

The workshops calendar is updated quarterly and can be accessed here.

For questions about the Luskin Leadership Development Series Certificate of Completion, contact the Capstone Advisor & Coordinator via MyUCLA Message Center.

If you are an F-1 visa student and are interested in engaging in employment in the U.S. directly related to your field of study after you complete your degree, please contact the Dashew Center to discuss your eligibility to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you are eligible to apply for OPT, please schedule an appointment with a Luskin academic counselor to complete a degree check and have your OPT Degree Verification Form signed. 

OVERVIEW

Are you planning to graduate this year? Attend a Luskin Undergraduate Graduation Workshop to learn about graduation requirements, commencement logistics, resources for graduating students, and how to prepare for your final quarter at UCLA.

WORKSHOP DATES

To help students prepare for commencement and graduation, the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program hosts multiple offerings of the Public Affairs Undergraduate Graduation Workshop in March and early April.

  • 2024 Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Graduation Workshops
    • Dates:
      • Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 3:00pm-4:30pm
      • Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:30am-12:00pm
      • Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 2:00pm-3:30pm
    • The workshops will be held via Zoom.
    • Register here! Registrants will be emailed the Zoom meeting information.

WORKSHOP ELIGIBILITY

The 2024 Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Graduation Workshops are open only to students who are graduating Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024.

UNABLE TO ATTEND?

If you’re unable to attend the workshop, contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center to schedule an appointment with a Luskin undergraduate academic counselor.

Commencement Checklist

Overview

UCLA commencement ceremonies are held in June during finals week of spring quarter. Commencement ceremonies are optional and attendance is not required to obtain your diploma. Degree candidates of the B.A. in Public Affairs are invited to participate in the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement ceremony.

Because departments and student organizations host ceremonies for their respective student populations, a UCLA undergraduate student pursuing the B.A. in Public Affairs may have the option to participate in several ceremonies during commencement weekend. Students who are completing a double/triple major may participate in additional School/College, departmental, and student celebrations. You can view more information about departmental ceremonies at www.commencement.ucla.edu.

To participate in commencement ceremonies, students are required to complete the ticket ordering process for each ceremony. Information about ticket ordering, including dates/deadlines, number of tickets, and process for ordering tickets, typically becomes available in early spring quarter.

The Public Affairs Undergraduate Program will notify students when ticket ordering information for the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement ceremony becomes available.

Which commencement ceremony do I attend?

Students pursuing the Public Affairs major may be eligible to participate in multiple commencement ceremonies. Use the chart below to determine which ceremonies you can attend. If you have questions about your eligibility to participate in a ceremony, contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center.

Public Affairs Major Public Affairs Major Who Completed a Double/Triple Major Public Affairs Major Who Completed the College Honors Program
Which ceremony do I attend? Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program ceremony Luskin and Ceremony for the College/School that hosts the other major Luskin and College Honors Recognition Ceremony
When is the ceremony? Friday, June 14, 2024 (time TBA) Varies by College/School, check commencement schedule at commencement.ucla.edu Typically, Thursday of spring quarter finals week. Click here for details.
How do I order tickets? Submit the Luskin Senior Exit Survey to receive the ticket order form. Click here for details.
  • College: Submit the UCLA Senior Survey to access ticket ordering
  • Other Schools: Contact the School for information
  • Submit the UCLA Senior Survey to access College’s ticket ordering process
Questions? Contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Contact the College or School Contact the Honors Program

Questions?

Questions about the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement ceremony should be submitted to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center. Questions about commencement ceremonies hosted by other Schools/College, departments, and campus programs should be directed to the respective department or campus program.

Overview

The 2024 UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony is schedule on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3:00pm. To participate in the Luskin Commencement ceremony students and guests must present a valid guest ticket.

  • Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
  • Time: 3:00pm
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Location: UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom (see campus map here)
  • Livestream: The ceremony will be livestreamed. You can access the livestream on the Luskin website homepage at www.luskin.ucla.edu.

Keynote Speaker

The keynote speaker for the Luskin School of Public Affairs commencement ceremonies will be announced in late May 2024.

Commencement Programs

Click the links below to view and download the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement bulletin and the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Awards bulletin.

Commencement Ceremony Schedule

Below is a overview of the commencement ceremony schedule:

  • 1:45 pm: B.A. Candidates meet at the Kerckhoff Hall north steps (facing Bruin Walk) to line up and receive instructions
  • 2:00 pm: Class Photos
  • 2:00pm: Doors open to guests
  • 3:00 pm: Processional
  • 4:30 pm: Reception at Ackerman Wescom Terrace

Guest Check-in

All guests must present a valid guest ticket to enter the commencement venue. Graduating students are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests.

Guest can begin lining up at 1:00pm. Doors open to guests at 2:00pm. Guests should plan to arrive at least an hour in advance of the ceremony to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and bag checks.

Guests can access the ceremony check-in station from Bruin Walk (see map here) or the Math Science Building via Portola Plaza Road (see map here). Guests who need mobility access and/or who need to be dropped-off/picked-up near the Ackerman guest check-in line, can be dropped-off/picked-up at the Math Science Building via Portola Plaza Road (see map here).

Ackerman Union offers elevator access to the Wescom Terrace (exit on level 1) and the Ackerman Grand Ballroom (exit on level 2). Guests who need accessible seating should let staff know when they enter the commencement venue. Staff will direct you to the accessible seating area.

Commencement venues will enforce a clear bag policy. Guest who bring bags that do not comply with the clear bag policy will be asked to leave their bag in their car. All bags may be subject to search. Large balloon displays, noisemakers, and confetti poppers will be confiscated.

Luskin will be enforcing UCLA COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Accessibility

All UCLA commencement venues are accessible. Please click here for more accessibility details.

Guests who need mobility access and/or who need to be dropped-off/picked-up near the Ackerman guest check-in line, can be dropped-off/picked-up at the Math Science Building via Portola Plaza Road (see map here). Ackerman Union offers elevator access to the Wescom Terrace (exit on level 1) and the Ackerman Grand Ballroom (exit on level 2).

Guests who need accessible seating should let staff know when they enter the commencement venue. Staff will direct you to the accessible seating area.

Overview

There will be a sign language interpreter at the Luskin Commencement ceremony.

Accommodations will be made for students with disabilities to participate in the celebration experience. There will be accessible routes at all commencement venues. As part of the student registration process (including registering with the UCLA Center for Accessible Education), accommodations will be made if an attendant or support animal is needed. If an attendant is needed, the attendant must adhere to the commencement ceremony protocols.

Ackerman Union offers elevator access to the Wescom Terrace (exit on level 1) and the Ackerman Grand Ballroom (exit on level 2).

Please notify the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program and events@luskin.ucla.edu if accommodations are needed.

Accessing the Commencement Venue

Guests can access the ceremony check-in station from Bruin Walk (see map here) or the Math Science Building via Portola Plaza Road (see map here).

Guests who need mobility access and/or who need to be dropped-off/picked-up near the Ackerman guest check-in line, can be dropped-off/picked-up at the Math Science Building via Portola Plaza Road (see map here).

Ackerman Union offers elevator access to the Wescom Terrace (exit on level 1) and the Ackerman Grand Ballroom (exit on level 2).

Guests who need accessible seating should let staff know when they enter the commencement venue. Staff will direct you to the accessible seating area.

Accessible Seating

Guests who need accessible seating should inform event staff at the time of check-in. Staff will direct you to the accessible seating area.

Signers will be available to interpret the ceremony for those who are hearing impaired. They will be stationed on the “audience right” (as you face the stage.) Guests who would like an interpreter will be directed to sit toward the front on the right-hand side of the audience (as you face the stage).

Accessible Parking

All UCLA parking structures have accessible parking. For questions about parking accessibility, contact the UCLA Transportation Office at Transportation@ts.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-7433.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in the commencement venues. Pets are not allowed inside the commencement venue.

Overview

You are automatically eligible to participate in the 2024 Commencement ceremonies if you: 

  • Have graduated Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, or
  • Have completed 148 units by the end of Winter 2024 and are declared to graduate Spring 2024 or Summer 2024. 

Fall 2024 degree candidates are NOT automatically included in the June 2024 commencement ceremonies. Fall 2024 degree candidates who would like to participate in the June 2024 commencement ceremonies must submit a Special Inclusion Petition.

Luskin Commencement Ceremony

The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program commencement ceremony is open only to undergraduate students who are graduating with a B.A. in Public Affairs and meet the eligibility criteria above.

Students who do not meet the commencement eligibility criteria for this year’s commencement ceremonies must submit a Special Inclusion Petition (linked here) to participate in the Commencement ceremonies.  For example, a Fall 2024 candidate who want to participate in the June 2024 commencement ceremonies must submit a Special Inclusion Petition. If a Fall 2024 candidate does not submit a Special Inclusion Petition for the 2024 commencement ceremonies, they will automatically be included in the 2025 commencement ceremonies. 

Students who do not meet the commencement eligibility criteria (linked here) for the 2024 commencement ceremonies and who would like to participate in the 2024 commencement ceremonies, must submit a Special Inclusion Petition beginning March 27, 2024 (Spring Break) and no later than April 9, 2024 (Spring quarter, week 2).  

Note: Summer 2024 candidates are not required to submit a Special Inclusion Petition. 

Graduating seniors are invited to participate in several surveys to share information about their experience at UCLA, their experience in the public affairs major, and their post-baccalaureate plans. Only the Luskin Senior Exit Survey is required in order access ticket ordering for the Luskin Commencement ceremony.

Luskin Senior Exit Survey

Graduating students are invited to complete the Luskin Senior Exit Survey to share their feedback about their experience in the Public Affairs major. The Luskin Senior Exit Survey opens annually in early Spring quarter. To access to the Luskin Commencement ticket ordering process, Public Affairs majors must opt-in or opt-out of completing the Luskin Senior Exit Survey. Students who do not select to opt-in or opt-out of the survey will not have access to order tickets to the Luskin Commencement ceremony.

The 2024 Luskin Senior Exit Survey will open on March 27, 2024 (Spring Break). The deadline for students to opt-in or opt-out for the survey for ticket ordering purposes is April 9, 2024 (spring quarter, week 2).

UCLA Senior Survey

Graduating students are invited to complete the UCLA Senior Survey to share their feedback about their experience at UCLA. Students who complete the UCLA Senior Survey are entered into different raffles. You can access the Senior Survey in early Winter quarter on MyUCLA > Academics > “Commencement-Student” > click on the Senior Survey link.  

First Destination Survey

The First Destination Survey (FDS) is administered by the UCLA Student Affairs Information & Research Office (SAIRO) and is designed specifically to help us learn more about the experiences and aspirations of our recent UCLA graduates. The responses help future Bruins prepare for their career and post-graduation goals. Click here to learn more about and access the First Destination Survey.

OVERVIEW

Students pursuing the B.A. in Public Affairs who wish to participate in the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement ceremony must confirm their participation in the ceremony by completing the ticket ordering process. Please read the information below for details.

Ticket ordering for the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony opens annually in late April and close in early May. Students receive an email confirmation with their final ticket order by mid-May.

TICKET ORDERING FOR THE LUSKIN COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

To participate in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony, students must reserve a ticket for themselves and their guests. All tickets are free of cost.

To ensure students have an equitable opportunity to reserve commencement tickets, each student will be offered the same number of tickets and will also have the opportunity to request additional tickets by adding themselves to a ticket wait list. During the ticket ordering process, the student must confirm the number of tickets they are reserving, and if applicable, the number of additional tickets they would like to request. The availability of additional tickets is dependent on how many tickets each student confirms. Students will receive a confirmation email if the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program is able to offer them additional tickets.

For the 2024 Luskin Commencement Ceremony, students will receive 1 ticket for themselves and up to 7 guest tickets. Students may request additional wait list tickets, but there is no guarantee that additional tickets will be granted.

Please note that children need their own ticket unless they can sit on their guardian’s lap for the duration of the ceremony. 

TICKET ORDERING TIMELINE AND ACCESS

Ticket ordering for the 2024 UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony will open April 10, 2024 and closes April 24, 2024. Students will receive an email confirmation with their final ticket order (including additional tickets) by May 6, 2024.

To access the Luskin commencement ticket order form, students must opt-in or opt-out of completing the Luskin Senior Exit Survey, and if applicable, submit a Special Inclusion Petition. Students who neither opt-in nor opt-out of the Luskin Senior Exit Survey will not be granted access to order tickets to the Luskin School of Public Affairs Commencement.

After the ticket ordering process concludes, students will receive their digital commencement tickets from the UCLA Central Ticket Office 1-2 weeks in advance of the ceremony. Each student is responsible for distributing the digital commencement tickets to their guests. Guest must show their digital ticket to gain entrance to the commencement venue.

TICKET ORDERING PROCESS

Follow the steps below to order tickets to the Luskin Commencement Ceremony:

  • STEP 1: Submit the Luskin Senior Exit Survey
    • Deadline to opt-in or opt-out in order to access ticket ordering is April 9, 2024.
    • Access the Luskin Senior Exit Survey here (link forthcoming).
  • STEP 2: Access and submit your ticket order
    • Complete and submit the ticket order form from April 10, 2024 through April 24, 2024.
    • The ticket order form will be emailed to students who submit the Luskin Senior Exit Survey.
  • STEP 3: Review your ticket order confirmation
    • Students will receive their ticket order confirmation (including additional wait listed tickets) by May 6, 2024.
  • STEP 4: Receive your tickets
    • The UCLA Central Ticket Office will email students their digital commencement ceremony tickets on May 28, 2024.

TRANSFERRING TICKETS TO GUESTS

The UCLA Central Ticket Office emails students their digital commencement tickets in late May. Tickets will be sent to the preferred email address the student submits on their ticket order form. Students are responsible for forwarding guest tickets to their guests either via email or cell phone. Instructions on how to transfer guests tickets are available here.

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE AND COMMENCEMENT TICKETS  

Selling commencement tickets is a violation of the Student Conduct Code (code 102.23c). Students who are found selling commencement tickets will be referred to the Dean of Students. You can read the Student Conduct Code on the UCLA Office of the Dean of Students website.

Parking Overview

Students and guests can purchase daily parking permits for the commencement ceremonies beginning May 1, 2024, via the Bruin ePermit Portal (linked here). When purchasing parking permits, be sure to select “UCLA Commencement” as the event. Please purchase one parking permit per transaction. Learn more about commencement parking at the UCLA Transportation website.

Commencement parking is $15 per day per permit (prices are subject to change). Parking permits are nonrefundable.

For questions about parking permits please email Transportation@ts.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-7433.

Parking and Transportation Tips

  • The closest parking lots to Ackerman Grand Ballroom are Parking Structures 4, 7, and 8. Access the interactive campus map here.
  • Purchase your parking permits ahead of time to save time.
  • Traffic density surrounding the UCLA campus is higher than usual on commencement weekend. Give yourself plenty of time to account for travel time to campus, parking, and travel time to the commencement venue.
  • Park closest to your last ceremony of the day.
  • Remember where you parked. Drop a pin, take a picture, write it down.

Cap and Gown

Undergraduate students who participate in the in-person commencement ceremonies must wear a black cap/mortar board, black gown, and tassel. The tassel color for the B.A. in Public Affairs is royal blue.

You can order your cap, gown, tassel, and all commencement regalia, from the UCLA Store Graduation Etc. You can purchase your cap and gown in-person or online from the UCLA Store Graduation Etc. beginning March 4, 2024. Online orders take approximately 2 days to process.

Honor Cords

Students are eligible to wear honor cords (or, fourragere) if they are graduating with Latin Honors or College Honors, and/or if they are recipients of the Chancellor’s Service Award. Purchase and distribution of honor cords begins June 3, 2024. You are eligible to receive a refund if you return your honor cords to UCLA Store Graduation Etc. by June 21, 2024 at 5pm (PT). Please contact UCLA Store Graduation Etc. for details.  

Senior Portraits

Student can schedule their senior portraits with UCLA Grad Etc. here.

UCLA Yearbook

For information about purchasing the UCLA yearbook, please visit UCLA Bruin Life. 

Other Regalia

In addition to wearing honor cords, students are permitted to wear sashes, cords, and other regalia that programs and student organizations give to graduating students. Students may also wear sashes, cords, and leis that are given to them by family and loved ones.

Student Speaker

Each year, the graduating class of Public Affairs majors nominates and elects a commencement student speaker who will address the graduating class in a 3-5 minutes long speech.

Students who are interested in being considered for the Commencement Student Speaker opportunity must complete the Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form (linked here). The nomination form opens on April 15, 2024 and closes on April 26, 2024.

After the nomination period closes, the graduating class of public affairs majors will vote to elect the student speaker by completing the Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Voting Form (linked here). Voting opens on April 30, 2024 and closes on May 7, 2024. The student speaker will be confirmed by May 10, 2024.

Multilingual Greeters

The Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will begin with students welcoming the audience in various languages. This is a welcoming and inclusive feature of the Commencement Ceremony, particularly for bilingual families.

Multilingual greeters will say the same phrase in a different languages. The phrase is: “Welcome to the 2024 Commencement Ceremony of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs”

If you speak a language other than English and you would like to be one of the multilingual greeters at commencement, submit the Public Affairs Commencement Multilingual Greeters form (linked here). The form opens April 15, 2024 and closes May 7, 2024. Selected students will be notified by May 10, 2024.

Timeline for Student Speakers and Multilingual Greeters

Below are the student speaker and multilingual greeters dates/deadlines for the 2023 Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony:

  • Monday, April 15, 2024:
    • Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form opens
    • Public Affairs Commencement Multilingual Greeters form opens
  • Friday, April 26, 2024:
    • Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form closes
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024:
    • Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Voting Form opens
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024:
    • Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker Voting Form closes
    • Public Affairs Commencement Multilingual Greeters form closes
  • Friday, May 10, 2024:
    • Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker is confirmed
    • Public Affairs Multilingual Greeters are confirmed

Questions?

For questions about the Public Affairs Commencement Student Speaker and/or Multilingual Greeter opportunity, please contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center.

Class Photos

Prior to the processional (click here for details), you will have the opportunity to take a class photo with your fellow graduates. We have limited time before the processional so this will be your only organized opportunity to take photos as a class. Class photos will be available for download at www.luskin.ucla.edu.

Photographer

GradImages professional photography will take each graduate’s picture as they shake hands with the Department Chair when they cross the stage. If you want to receive proofs of your photographs, you must fill out the address information that will be on the back of the name card you will receive when you line up for the processional. Filling out a card and receiving proofs does not obligate you to purchase photographs.

The Chancellor’s Service Award is a selective award honoring graduating students who have made significant contributions to UCLA and/or the surrounding Los Angeles community through a sustained record of outstanding leadership and service. The application typically opens in April and closes in early May. 

The timeline below is intended to serve as an overview of important dates/deadlines pertaining to the 2024 Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement ceremony. For details, please read the corresponding sections of this Public Affairs Graduation and Commencement webpage.

  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024 (Spring Break)
    • Luskin Senior Exit Survey opens
    • Preferred Name for the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Ceremony Form opens
    • Special Inclusion Petition for Public Affairs Majors opens
  • Thursday, March 28, 2024 (Spring Break)
    • Deadline to submit the College Honors Candidacy Form for Public Affairs Majors to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program
  • Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (Spring Week 2)
    • Deadline to opt-in or opt-out of the Luskin Senior Exit Survey to access the ticket ordering process
    • Deadline to submit Special Inclusion Petition to access the ticket ordering process
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (Spring Week 2)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program commencement ticket ordering opens
  • Monday, April 15, 2024 (Spring Week 3)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form opens
    • Public Affairs Commencement Multilingual Greeter form opens
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (Spring Week 4)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program commencement ticket ordering closes
  • Friday, April 26, 2024 (Spring Week 4)
    • Preferred Name for the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Ceremony Form closes
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Form closes
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 (Spring Week 5)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Student Speaker Voting opens
  • Monday, May 6, 2024 (Spring Week 6)
    • Students receive confirmation of their final commencement ticket order including additional tickets received
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (Spring Week 6)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Student Speaker Voting closes
    • Public Affairs Commencement Multilingual Greeter form closes
  • Friday, May 10, 2024 (Spring Week 6)
    • Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement student speaker is confirmed
    • Public Affairs Multilingual Greeters are confirmed
    • Deadline for students to confirm their privacy restrictions to be included in the Luskin Commencement bulletin
  • Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3:00pm (PST)
    • UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program Commencement Ceremony

After Final Quarter Checklist

Review your final grades and contact your instructors if you have questions about your final grades.  

Make sure that your minors, specializations, revisions in enrollment, grade changes, removal of incompletes, and any transactions are posted accurately. Approximately 5-6 weeks after your degree expected term your degree is awarded and posted to your transcript. At that point your UCLA record is sealed and no further changes are possible.  

Early Degree Posting

Students who need their degree to be awarded earlier than six weeks after the final term ends can request early degree posting by using the online early degree posting process. A special degree processing fee is charged to the BruinBill account. For more information, visit the UCLA Registrar’s Office website.

Degree Completion Letter

If you need earlier evidence of your degree after finals grades are posted but before the degree is posted to your transcript, you can request a Degree Completion Letter. There is no fee for requesting a degree completion letter. For more information, visit the UCLA Registrar’s Office website. 

You can order an official academic transcript via MyUCLA > Classes > “Transcript-Official.” Your transcript will list your official degree about 6-8 weeks after your final term and after your degree is posted to your record. There is no fee for ordering transcripts. For more information about ordering transcripts visit the UCLA Registrar’s Office website.  

Diplomas become available approximately 3 months after your degree is awarded. After the third week of your degree-expected term you can access the MyUCLA Diploma Request (MyUCLA > Academics > Diploma Request) to provide diploma release instructions and select a delivery method. Diploma mailing is free. Diplomas not mailed will be held for in-person pick-up at the UCLA Registrar’s Office at 1113 Murphy Hall.  

Diplomas are dated the last day of the term you complete all degree requirements. Degrees for summer candidates are always awarded in September; the Registrar’s Office does not award summer degrees at the end of each summer session.   

For more information about diplomas, visit the UCLA Registrar’s Office website.  

Important Notes:  

  • The “PA Student Services” hold does not restrict you from obtaining your diploma.  
  • You will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office when your diploma is ready.  
  • Update your contact information on MyUCLA to ensure that you receive all email communications from the UCLA Registrar’s Office. You can update your contact information on MyUCLA > Settings > “Official Email/Address/Phone.” 

All UCLA graduates will continue to have access to their MyUCLA account. If you would like to continue receiving emails sent to your @ucla.edu account, you can either switch to a Google Apps hosted email or activate the lifetime email forwarding mechanism on your account. No action is required if you already have Google Apps. Direct any questions to the UCLA IT Support Center.

The Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program encourages you to take advantage of the UCLA resources available to you.  

You will have access to all UCLA Career Center services for three months after you graduate. You will have access to Handshake for a full year after you graduate.  

UCLA graduates are automatically part of the UCLA Alumni Association. Visit their website to learn more about the professional and networking opportunities offered by the UCLA Alumni Association. All UCLA students and graduates also have access to UCLA ONE. 

Your Alumni Network!

An exciting next step of your journey as a Luskin undergraduate student is engaging with your alumni network! As an alumnus from UCLA, Luskin School of Public Affairs, and Public Affairs major, you have the opportunity to choose your level of engagement with each of these sectors. Read the information below to learn about the alumni opportunities available to you.

UCLA Alumni Association

  • Connect with the UCLA alumni network by participating in UCLA wide programming designed specifically for UCLA alumni.
  • Participate in the alumni affinity groups and mentoring opportunities.
  • Membership is free for all UCLA graduates.
  • Visit the Alumni Association website to learn more about the professional and networking opportunities offered by the UCLA Alumni Association.
  • Visit the UCLA ONE website to engage with and mentor UCLA undergraduate students.

Luskin Alumni Network

  • Stay connected with Luskin and join an alumni network of over 9,000 professionals to ensure you leverage our expansive Alumni community’s benefits and resources.
  • To learn more, visit the Luskin Alumni Relations website.

Public Affairs Alumni Network

  • Remain connected to your Public Affairs peers to help the Luskin Undergraduate Program build a robust alumni network.
  • Public Affairs alumni are invited to serve on career panels and capstone seminar guest presentations.
  • Consider serving as a capstone internship site supervisor for future public affairs majors. Visit the Experiential Learning webpage for prospective community partners to learn how to become an internship site for public affairs majors.