Commencement 2022: Your Questions Answered

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s graduation ceremony

During week one, The Santa Clara polled seniors via Instagram to find out what questions they had about the new commencement format. We talked to the Commencement Office about your most common questions — here's what you need to know.

Q: What will commencement look like this year? 

A: Instead of a traditional graduation ceremony at the stadium, the 2022 commencement format consists of a .75-mile walking procession through campus. 

The procession will start in front of Dowd and end at the Mission Church, where graduates will cross the stage while their names are read aloud. "Music, balloon arches and other festive touches will guide graduates and guests around campus," according to the Commencement Office. 

After crossing the stage, graduates and guests will proceed through a receiving line of honored faculty and university administrators.

Will there be commencement speeches and awards? 

There will be no commencement speakers at the Saturday graduation ceremony.

The Senior Toast — a separate senior event scheduled for June 1 — will include the Valedictorian Speech, toasts from honored faculty and staff, and the Class of 2022 Senior Awards. 

Why aren't we having a traditional graduation ceremony?

Although the university introduced the parade concept for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 to address COVID-19 conditions, the Commencement Office says the shift in format has "proved extremely popular with graduates, their parents, and our faculty — especially those who have participated in traditional ceremonies in a pre COVID-19 environment. The feedback that we have received stresses how much participants appreciate the personal interactions made possible by the Santa Clara procession."

What will guest participation look like? 

Graduates are allowed to bring up to four registered guests, who will walk through campus with them during the procession. Graduates will only be separated from their guests when they cross the stage.

I have a big family. Can my unregistered guests gather somewhere on campus to watch me cross the stage? 

No. Campus will be closed on Saturday, June 11 to non-ticketed guests. In addition, all guests will receive a color coded wristband which will allow them access onto campus during their graduates' pre-registered procession time slot. The 0.75-mile procession will be constantly moving, and there will not be an area for guests to gather.

Family and friends at home can watch the Commencement Stage Crossing live at scu.edu/commencement.

Can I buy additional guest tickets?

Additional commencement tickets are not available for purchase. 

As graduation approaches, the Commencement  Office recommends checking with other graduates to see if they have any tickets that have not been allocated to their family/friends.

Will there be a senior picnic?

What was formerly known as the senior picnic is now called the "Grad Bash" and will be taking place on June 10 (the night before commencement). 

The Grad Bash, hosted by the Alumni Association, will be an opportunity for graduates to bring six guests with them "for a night of celebration and fun on Bellomy Field," according to the Commencement Office.