Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health Commencement Ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the school's ceremony?
Friday, June 13
Ceremony: 10 am – 12 pm
- Gates open at 8 am.
- Graduates please arrive no later than 9 am for check-in and processional line-up.
- Faculty are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 9 am for check-in and processional line-up.
UC San Diego security update.
- Graduates will be required to have open robes when walking through the magnetometer at the security checkpoint. It is suggested that you carry your robe in hand and put the robe on after passing through security.
- Please note that UC San Diego has implemented a clear bag policy for commencement weekend to enhance public safety and streamline the screening and entry process. This policy restricts the size and types of bags allowed: bags must be clear plastic or clear vinyl and may not exceed 12" x 12" x 20" or a one-gallon clear plastic zipper bag. Small bags, clutches, or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" will be allowed.
- Lockers will also be available for rent for $5.
Who is eligible to participate?
Do I need to register?
Where will the ceremony take place?
How many tickets will each graduate receive?
Please plan on four (4) guest tickets per graduate. Any additional guest ticket requests* can be sent by
June 5 to hwsphdeanoffice@health.ucsd.edu. Please include the graduate name and number of additional guest tickets.
*Extra guest tickets will be distributed equitably, and graduates may not receive the full number of tickets they request.
Where do I park?
Gilman Parking Structure (4-minute walk to Epstein Family Amphitheater)
Scholars Parking Structure (10-minute walk)
Hopkins Parking Structure (11-minute walk)
South Parking Structure (10-minute walk)
P701 Parking Lot (15-minute walk)
- Please note that all of the above lots are paid lots. If you do plan to pay for parking on campus, please arrive early to allow time to find a spot.
- The ParkMobile App is available for download online. Scroll down to "parking."
Are there rideshare drop-off and pick-up near the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
Yes. Rideshares are also highly recommended. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations are available at:
Can I use public transportation to get to the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
What items are prohibited at the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
Prohibited items include: balloons, large backpacks, large blankets, flags, tobacco products, alcohol, cans, bottles, ice chests, picnic baskets, lawn furniture, weapons of any kind, umbrellas, pets, hula hoops, musical instruments, laser pointers, bicycles and skateboards.
Strollers and wagons are not allowed into the Epstein Family Amphitheater; however, there will be stroller and wagon parking outside the entrance.

- For the safety and comfort of all, you may not bring lawn chairs or furniture. The lawn is quite steep and not safe for lawn chairs.
- Seat policy information is available online.You can bring in personal seat cushions, small blankets, or seating, as long as they fit your personal space and lie flat on the ground (no legs, no hard structure).
- The same rules apply for the stone bench seating areas.
Am I allowed to bring food and drink into the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
How can I request accessibility accommodations at the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
Will an ASL interpreter be provided?
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
How do I order my cap and gown? (Graduates and Faculty)
Faculty: Please contact Vicky Segall Byrne at vsegall@health.ucsd.edu no later than April 28 to place your regalia rental order.
Will there be opportunities to volunteer?
Day of event: Will there be a rehearsal?
Day of event: Graduates and Guests - Know Before You Go
How will check-in be handled at the Epstein Family Amphitheater?
Graduates
- Gates open at 8 a.m.
- Please arrive no later than 9 a.m. for check in at the location marked with a red star on the map below.
- Leave belongings with family or friends before checking in -- you may not be able to return to the same seat upon your return from the stage.
- Graduates will be required to have open robes at security checkpoint.
- After you complete the security walk-through, find your program table and check in
Guests
- Gates open at 8 a.m.
- UC San Diego has implemented a clear bag policy for commencement weekend to enhance public safety and streamline the screening and entry process. Bags must be clear plastic or clear vinyl and may not exceed 12" x 12" x 20" or a one-gallon clear plastic zipper bag. Small bags, clutches, or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" will be allowed. Lockers will also be available for rent for $5.
- Guests must have their QR codes/tickets. Guests cannot enter without a QR code or ticket.
- Guests will enter the venue at the location marked with a blue star on the map below.
- Security: All bags will be searched, and attendees will walk through a .
Will there be shade?
- Shade is minimal in the venue. Everyone should use sunscreen and please tell your guests to wear a hat if they wish additional sun protection.
Faculty and platform party instructions
Contact us
If you do not see your question listed in the FAQs, please contact Vicky Segall Byrne at vsegall@health.ucsd.edu.