2025 Saddleback College Commencement Ceremony

If you are receiving a Degree, a Certification, an Occupational Skills Award, non-credit CDCP ,or Transferring, we want you to participate in the ceremony! We are very excited and can't wait to celebrate with you! This year's ceremony will take place at the Saddleback College Sports Complex in the football stadium at 5:30p.

(FAQs)

* RSVPs are not required. They assist us in estimating the count of how many graduates may be attending and also allow us to send information regarding the event. You can still attend, if you miss the RSVP deadline.

Graduates will meet in a separate staging area at the football practice fields and will sit with the people they line up with (no assigned seating). Graduates will be seated on the field.

Friends and family will be seated in the bleachers on both the home and visitor side. Please note that most of the bleacher seating does not have backs. There is a section that does have seat backs and guests are encouraged to arrive arrive early to access them.

No tickets are necessary for entrance. Seating is on a first come first served basis for family and friends in the bleachers. Please arrive early to ensure you will have good seats.

This RSVP is not needed to attend, but allows us to know how many graduates and guests to expect at the ceremony. It also allows us to email information to attendees as we get closer to the ceremony.

Students receiving a degree, a certification, or transferring in Summer/Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 will be included in the commencement program booklet. If you did not submit a degree petition, you can still participate and have your name called during the ceremony.

Graduates who will be graduating in Summer 2025 can still participate. Your name will not appear in the commencement program booklet this year and will be printed the following year. Your name can still be called at the ceremony when you commence across the stage and you can still receive your diploma/certificate cover.

Graduates will wear cardinal-colored caps and gowns.

A cap and gown will be provided this year for graduates. Graduates do not need to purchase a cap and gown to participate, but will need to pick one up in the Bookstore starting April 1. Check the Commencement website for more information. https://www.saddleback.edu/life-saddleback/graduation-ceremony

During the commencement ceremony, you will be handed the cover for your diploma/certificate. Diplomas and certificates will be mailed at a later date in the fall to all candidates who have completed their requirements. If you move, please update your address online through MySite to ensure that you receive your diploma.

Admissions & Records will distribute honors cords and tassels (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude) at check-in to all eligible candidates who have petitioned to graduate on time. Honors are only given to students who are receiving an Associates Degree.

No parking passes are required. Parking is free on campus during the Commencement Ceremony.

Guest drop off will be available in Lot 1A.

Disabled Parking will available in Lots 1B and 1A.

Closest parking to the venue for guests are Lots 1, 4, 5B, 5, 5A. and 7.

https://www.saddleback.edu/maps-and-directions

3:30pm - Graduate Check-in is at the practice fields near the stadium

• Graduates will check in at the Admissions and Records table. You will receive your name card. If needed, please write your name phonetically on the card for the reader to announce.
• Please legibly write your mailing address on the reverse side of your name card. The photographer will be using this information to send you proofs of your photos.
• Light refreshments will be served

5:30pm - Processional begins

• The processional will be led by the platform party, followed by the faculty and then students. There will be line marshals to assist with the student processional and lead graduates to their seats.
• Graduates will stay standing until asked to be seated.

Disability Accommodations

If you are a graduating student and you need to request an accommodation for youself related to a disability, please email Laura Czajkowski, Director of DSPS at [email protected].

Professional photographers by Grad Images will be taking pictures during the event for purchase after commencement. https://www.gradimages.com/

Photo opportunities for students and guests will be available before and after the ceremony at various locations around the stadium.

Host or Publisher Student Development Office/ASG