Congratulations Class of 2020!

We look forward to celebrating with you on June 14th at 1:30pm. You have truly demonstrated grit and resiliency during this extraordinary time and we are so proud of each and every one of you!

Answers to common FAQs about the virtual ceremony can be found here

 

 Email Updates

May 18th, 2020 

 

Sample Commencement Slide

 

“Five” STEPS TO GRADUATE

STEP 1: Know the Difference between GRADUATION and COMMENCEMENT!
STEP 2: Register for Rachel Carson College's Virtual Commencement--DEADLINE HAS PASSED
STEP 3: Check your "Public Information" status--DEADLINE HAS PASSED
STEP 4: Order Your Cap & Gown (optional)
STEP 5: Celebrate Graduation Day! June 14th

Step 1: Know the Difference Between GRADUATION and COMMENCEMENT!

Your college commencement ceremony and graduation from UCSC are two separate things.

• At UCSC, graduation is the act of conferring an academic degree – receiving your degree or diploma.

• Commencement is a ceremony, where you walk across the stage, symbolizing the end of your undergraduate career.

Graduation and commencement have separate online processes and timelines.

Graduation

Apply to graduate (degree completion and diploma) for the quarter in which you will be finishing your graduation requirements. DO NOT apply to graduate for Spring if you will be finishing your final graduation requirements in a subsequent quarter.

To apply to graduate, you must submit an application via your Student Portal by the posted deadlines to announce candidacy. There is more information about how to apply to graduate on the Registrar’s Office website.

Commencement

This page includes all the steps for you to prepare to participate in the Rachel Carson College's Virtual Commencement Ceremony. Please keep reading to learn how to register, where to order your cap and gown (if you would like to have it), and all other related information. 

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STEP 2: Register online for Rachel Carson College Commencement 

Please register by May 10th at 11:59pm 

Rachel Carson College students who plan to complete all requirements by the end of Fall 2020 are eligible to participate in the June virtual commencement ceremony. Late registration is not possible so please don't miss the deadline.

Commencement communication is sent through carsonsl@ucsc.edu so please ensure this address is not blocked or in the spam folder.

 

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STEP 3: Check your "Public Information" status. 

All students have a “Public Information” status (a.k.a. Directory Restriction, FERPA or NRI) with the Office of the Registrar. The status of your personal information is currently set as either “Releasable” or “Restricted.”  If your status is set to “restricted”, the University may not release any information about you. Some students set their status to “RESTRICTED” without being aware of the implications. It is imperative that you check and confirm your status.

• If your status is set to “RESTRICTED” as of May 11 RCC is required by law to NOT print your name in the print program, regardless of your wishes.
• If your status is set to “RELEASABLE” as of May 11 we can and will print your name in the program, provided you have registered via Step 2. 

Check your my.ucsc.edu portal to update. If you have special circumstances and wish to retain a “restricted” status but also wish to have your name printed in the program, please contact carsonsl@ucsc.edu. For detailed instructions on how to change the options, please click here.

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STEP 4: Order your cap & gown.

Caps and gowns are optional for the virtual commencement ceremony. Announcements, stoles, diploma frames and other custom items are also available at the Bay Tree Bookstore Online Graduation Center for purchase.

The Baytree Bookstore will mail your cap and gown.

 

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STEP 5: Celebrate! Rachel Carson Commencement Ceremony

• June 14th at 1:30pm in your home.

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