Members of the University of California, Riverside’s class of 2026 will commence at one of two locations. Graduating seniors obtaining their M.D., Ph.D., and M.F.A. degrees will celebrate on campus at UCR’s Student Recreation Center, or SRC. All other degrees and credentials will be celebrated off campus at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. 

For the 2025-26 academic year, about 7,311 Highlanders are eligible to graduate, and a little under 6,000 are expected to participate in a series of Commencement ceremonies this spring. 

Below is a roundup of must-knows for graduating students and their guests, with comprehensive details provided at commencement.ucr.edu. 

Degree/Credential Ceremonies (listed by date):

• June 5 at 3 p.m. at SRC: School of Medicine Hippocratic Oath
• June 6 at 9 a.m. at SRC: Graduate Division Hooding
• June 15 at Toyota Arena: Bourns College of Engineering at 9 a.m.; School of Education/School of Public Policy at 1:30 p.m.; and College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at 6 p.m.
• June 16 at Toyota Arena: College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences: CHASS 1 at 9 a.m., CHASS 2 at 1:30 p.m., and School of Business 6 p.m.

Visit the Commencement website for more ceremony details specific to each group, including graduate check-in times, estimated ceremony durations, etc.

Streaming: For those who cannot attend in person but would like to join virtually, we will have livestreams of each ceremony on the UCR YouTube channel. You can also watch recordings of specialized celebrations that have already occurred. (e.g. Chicano Latino Year-End Celebration, AAPI Recogtnition Celebration, and more.) 

Toyota Arena in Ontario

• Parking: Graduate parking is free, and passes were picked up with tickets. Guests will pay $15 per car, and the venue will only accept credit cards, no cash. 
• Security: Security will screen all persons and belongings at the entrance to ensure safety; only small or clear bags are allowed.
• Prohibited Items: To ensure efficient entrance into the venue, visit the Toyota Arena website for venue policies and prohibited items, including handheld or large flags, noisemakers, flowers, confetti cannons, balloons, signs, etc. Leis can be worn by students prior to entry, but guests will be restricted from bringing leis as gifts into the building.
• Entry: Venue gates will open 60 minutes before each ceremony for guests. 
• Seating: Disregard the seat number on the tickets. Ceremony seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all seating is open. Saving seats is not allowed, so please have your guests plan accordingly. Children under 2 do not need a ticket but will need to remain on a parent’s lap for the duration of the ceremony.
• View: The stage and graduates will be viewable from all angles on the jumbotron. 
• Grad Images: Professional photos will capture individual graduates crossing the stage. Proofs will be emailed or mailed directly to graduates and will be available for purchase.
• Accessibility: For ADA requests/inquiries, reach out to the Toyota Arena Guest Services at (909) 244-5530 or via email at boxoffice@toyota-arena.com. More details are on the Toyota Arena website.
• Amenities: Along with free water dispensers located throughout the venue, refreshments will be available for purchase. Outside food/drinks are prohibited. There is air conditioning and restrooms.

UCR’s Student Recreation Center (SRC) in Riverside

• Parking: Complimentary parking at the SRC will be provided for graduates and guests in Lots 24 & 26. Vehicles that do not already have a UCR parking permit must be registered. Register vehicles once they’ve parked, as pre-registering does not guarantee a spot in the lot.
• Security: Ceremonies will have enhanced security, including metal detectors and bag checks at all entrances. Security will begin checking in guests 90 minutes prior to the ceremony. 
• Prohibited Items —
  • Inside SRC: Balloons, flags, signs, large gifts, food, and drinks are not permitted.
  • On campus: Animals except for service dogs, alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, and weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives. Smoking is not permitted on university property, including parking lots.
• Entry: Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
• Grad Images: Professional photos will capture individual graduates crossing the stage. Proofs will be emailed or mailed directly to graduates and will be available for purchase.
• Amenities: Water stations, air conditioning, and restrooms will be available.

Visit Commencement FAQs for more details, including additional guidance on venue rules, guidelines, and expectations. 

Reminder to Graduates: This is a momentous event for all students and families. Students in attendance remain subject to UCR's Policy 700-70: Expressive Activities; Time, Place, and Manner Regulations. While the University respects and protects free expression, remarks and actions must not disrupt the function or orderly operation of the event.

• Attend Senior/Year-End Celebrations hosted by various departments and groups. 
• Read the Celebrating UCR's Class of 2026 article and corresponding video.
• Sign the Class of 2026 Yearbook!