Certificate & Program Recognition Ceremony

Join Us for the Celebration

Ceremony Details

Eligibility

Students who have completed or are on track to complete an eligible University Extension certificate, diploma, or pathway program during the current academic year may qualify to participate in the recognition ceremony. Eligibility is determined by program requirements and academic standing. Participation in the ceremony is optional and is separate from program completion requirements.

I. Professional and Specialized Study Certificate Programs

Students are eligible to participate if they meet the following criteria:

• You completed your certificate between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
• You have an approved certificate application in the My Applications section of your student portal
  • Submitting a certificate application allows University Extension to confirm your program, lock in the requirements in effect at the time of application, and verify eligibility for ceremony participation.
• Completion of the Verification Process is required.

Anticipated Completion: If you are expecting to finish your certificate by June 30, 2026, but have not received a registration link, please email graduation@ucx.ucr.edu to determine eligibility. Please include in the email your student ID number (starts with an X) and the name of the program you are completing.

II. International Certificate, Diploma or Pathway Programs

Students completing the following programs are invited to participate:

• Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
• Admission Preparation Program (APP)
• Graduate Preparation Program (GPP)
• Master of Business Preparation Program (MBPP)
• University Credit Program (UCP) (if a certificate was earned)

III. Registration and Next Steps (For All Eligible Students)

• Registration Link: Eligible students for all programs will receive a registration link directly via email by March 2026.
• Action: No action is required until you receive the link, unless you fall into the "Anticipated Completion" category above.

Registration/RSVP

Eligible students will receive instructions for ceremony registration by March 2026.

To participate, students should note the following:

• RSVP deadline: April 24, 2026
• Advance registration is required for in-person attendance or to request virtual participation.
• Guest informationis collected during the RSVP process to support event planning.
• Only students registered for in-person attendance will receive ceremony regalia and be included in on-stage recognition.

In-Person and Virtual Participation

The Certificate and Program Recognition Ceremony is designed as an in-person celebration, with the option for virtual viewing to support students who are unable to travel.

In-Person Participation: Students who register and attend the ceremony in person will be recognized on stage during the live event. In-person participation includes access to all ceremony elements, including on-stage recognition and official ceremony regalia. Family members and guests are welcome to attend.

Virtual Participation: Some University Extension students complete programs online and may reside throughout the United States and abroad. For this reason, the ceremony will be livestreamed. Virtual participation or Zoom access may be available upon request. The names of students participating virtually will be read after those of in-person attendees; however, virtual participation does not include in-person ceremony elements or regalia.

Ceremony Regalia (Stoles)

A cap and gown are not required for this ceremony. We invite our graduates to celebrate in style with business casual attire.

To honor your achievement, a commemorative ceremony stole will be provided to graduates who register by the deadline and attend the event in person. These stoles are a signature element of the live experience and are presented during the ceremony to recognize your hard work. Please note that stoles are exclusive to the in-person event and are not distributed to online, virtual, or livestream participants.

Guests

Students attending in person may bring up to four guests. Guest registration is collected as part of the RSVP process to support event planning and seating arrangements.

Parking and Lodging

• Parking: Parking lot information is coming soon. Both students and guests must preregister for parking. A link for registration will be shared with students closer to the event date, and they can forward it to their guests.
• Lodging: For students and visitors outside the immediate area, recommended hotel information can be found here.

Additional Information

The Certificate and Program Recognition Ceremony is held annually and reflects University Extension’s commitment to celebrating student achievement across certificate, professional, and preparation programs. Program completion certificates are issued separately through academic records and are not distributed during the ceremony.

For questions regarding eligibility, registration, or participation options, students are encouraged to email graduation@ucx.ucr.edu.

Video Highlights

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2024 Graduation

2024 Graduation