Black Graduation "Black Grad" Frequently Asked Questions

I participated in a previous ceremony, but I didn't get to see the recording. Where can I find it?

Use the buttons below to access the appropriate recordings.

2021 Black Graduation Ceremony

2022 Black Graduation Ceremony

2023 Black Graduation Ceremony

Can I participate in both Black Grad and my other commencement ceremonies?

Absolutely! Black Graduation is not meant to take the place of your other commencement ceremonies. We try our best to ensure that the Black Graduation Ceremony does not interfere with other ceremonies taking place during commencement weekend (like other identity-based ceremonies, college ceremonies, etc.).

The Black Graduation Ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration to honor Black students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate/professional degree from the University of California San Diego. The event recognizes their accomplishment and provides an opportunity for graduates to honor significant people who have helped them achieve their goal.

When does the Black Graduation Ceremony take place?

The Black Graduation Ceremony takes place every year during Finals Week of Spring Quarter. The ceremony is typically held on the Friday evening of Finals Week with check-in starting in the afternoon.

The 2024 Black Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024 @4pm in LionTree Arena.

Where do I park the day of?

Guests are instructed to enter the campus via Campus Point Drive to Voigt Dr.
Event signage will be placed from Genesee Ave. and Campus Point Dr. directing Black Grad guests to the Hopkins Structure.
Disabled cart service will be available from the Super Computer driveway to the elevator leading to the Lion Tree Arena.

Can I bring balloons to graduation?

The following items are restricted in venue:

NO pets allowed: Service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome
NO artificial noisemakers as in airhorns, bull horns, and portable speakers
NO tabacco or vaping usage allowed or the appearance there of
NO weapons, drug paraphernalia, or illegal substance
NO oversized bags or coolers. Bags can be no larger that 16"x8"x16". No backpacks allowed
NO outside food or beverages other than personal resuable water bottles
NO unauthorized video and/or audio recording devices, tripods, and self-sticks
NO bottles or cans
NO skates, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, or roller skates
NO drones or umbrellas
NO laser pointers
NO items that jeopordize the safety, viewing (i.e. balloons or posters), listening pleasure, or enjoyment of other guest deemed by the Event Management to be unsafe or prohibited

All Persons and items are subject to inspection and confiscation by the Event Management of the Venue, Security Staff and UC San Diego Police Department. If you have questions about the LionTree policy please ask to speak with an Event Manager on Duty.

How do I reserve my Kente Stole?

All participants in the Black Graduation Ceremony will be presented with a Kente Stole during the ceremony. All graduates must pay a $20 refundable participation fee, which must be paid by the last registration date of May 10, 2024. Following the Black graduation ceremony participants will recieve a reimburesment of their $20 within a timeframe of 10 -14 business days. The deposit will not be refunded if the graduate does not attend the Black Graduation ceremony.

Do I receive my diploma at Black Grad?

Note, the university will mail you your diploma after your degree requirements have been verified. All students will be presented with a certificate of achievement during the Black Graduation Ceremony. Learn more about the process of receiving your diploma on Tritonlink.

How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?

Typically, there aren't any limits on how many guests students can bring with them to the Black Graduation Ceremony. When registering to attend, we will ask you how many guests you anticipate bringing so that we have an accurate count for the ceremony.

I am a Faculty/Administrator, how can I participate in the Black Grad Ceremony?

We are excited that you are interested in being a part of the Black Graduation Ceremony! Typically we have faculty and administrators sit on the stage in their regalia and help us celebrate our graduating students. If you are interested, please fill out our RSVP form for Faculty and Administrators.

I am not graduating, but I want to volunteer to help! How can I sign-up to volunteer?

We can always use help with large scale events like Black Grad! Please fill out our volunteer form and we will contact you when we do our call for volunteers.

Eligibility

How do I know if I am eligible for the Black Graduation Ceremony?

In order to participate in the Black Graduation Ceremony, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a registered undergraduate student OR a graduate/professional student
You must fill out the registration form by the Wednesday, April 10, 2024 priority deadline (second week of spring quarter).
You must complete your degree requirements by the end of the Fall Quarter after the ceremony takes place.
- For example, for the 2024 Black Graduation Ceremony, students must complete their degree requirements by the end of Fall Quarter 2024.
  - Note: Students who graduate in Fall have the option of participating in the ceremony the following year.

I don't know if I will finish my degree requirements by Spring. Can I still register to participate?

If you are unsure if you will finish your requirements by the end of Spring Quarter, you are still welcome to register for the ceremony! The Black Graduation Ceremony is open to students who will finish their degree requirements by the following Fall. (For example, for the 2024 Black Graduation Ceremony, students who will finish their degree requirements in Summer Session 2024 are still eligible as well as students who will finish in Fall Quarter 2024.

If you register for the ceremony and then later decide that you would rather participate in the ceremony the following year due to extending your time at UC San Diego, just let us know!

Registration

When does registration open for Black Grad?

Registration typically opens during Week 1 of Winter Quarter and has a priority deadline of April 10, 2024 (second week of spring quarter).

The BRC typically sends an email to students who are considered "eligible for graduation" once the registration opens up. We will also have flyers posted on social media, our e-newsletter, as well as throughout the Black Resource Center.

When does registration close for Black Grad?

Th priority registration deadline typically closes the second week of instruction in Spring Quarter (Wednesday, April 10th, 2024). The final Black Grad registration date is Friday, May 10th, 2024

I missed the registration deadline! What can I do?

We understand that things happen and emails can sometimes go overlooked. If you missed the registration deadline, immediately contact The Black Resource Center at [email protected] or (858) 534-0471 to see if you can still participate in the ceremony.

Do I have to pay to participate in Black Grad?

All graduates must pay a $20 refundable participation fee, which must be paid by the last registration date of May 10, 2024. Following the Black graduation ceremony participants will recieve a reimburesment of their $20 within a timeframe of 10 -14 business days. The deposit will not be refunded if the graduate does not attend the Black Graduation ceremony.