Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the 2025 commencement events below.

About the Events

What date will my commencement take place?

The President will preside over ceremonies for each school on the following days:

Sunday, May 25

8:30 a.m. – Medicine
1:30 p.m. – Pharmacy
5 p.m. – Dentistry

Friday, June 13

1 p.m. – School of Public Health
4 p.m. – San Manuel Gateway College

Sunday, June 15

8 a.m. – Allied Health Professions – Allied Health Programs
10:30 a.m. – Allied Health Professions – Occupational Therapy, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Physical Therapy
1:30 p.m. – Behavioral Health and Religion
4 p.m. – Nursing – Summer 2025, Autumn 2025, and Winter 2025
6 p.m. – Nursing – Spring 2025

May ceremonies will take place on the Campus Mall; June ceremonies will take place at the Drayson Center.

What are baccalaureates?

Baccalaureates are University religious services around commencement. At Loma Linda University, these services are designed for people of all faiths, as we celebrate the commitment and accomplishments of our graduates. Your family and friends are invited to attend this inspirational service. Graduates are invited to participate and march with their graduating class, wearing full academic regalia.

This year’s baccalaureate services will take place as follows:

Saturday, May 24

9 a.m. – Medicine
11:45 a.m. – Dentistry and Pharmacy

Saturday, June 14

11:45 a.m. – Allied Health Professions, Behavioral Health, Nursing, Public Health, Religion, San Manuel Gateway College

Where is the Campus Mall (May commencements)?

The Campus Mall is located at the center of our campus, between Prince Hall (School of Dentistry) and the Loma Linda University Church. Please refer to our campus map under “Directions and Parking.”

Where is the Drayson Center (June commencements)?

The Drayson Center is located at 25040 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350. Please be advised that there will be road closures and detours on both commencement weekends.

Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time for my guests?

Loma Linda University does not require tickets to attend commencement ceremonies, or other commencement-related events. We recommend that you arrive at least one hour before the scheduled ceremony. May commencements are held outdoors in our Campus Mall, with adequate accommodations under the tent and immediate surrounding area; June commencements are held indoors at the Drayson Center, and we are able to accommodate all guests using the main venue and adjacent overflow areas.

Can I bring balloons, noise makers, banners/signs or other celebration items?

Items not allowed in our ceremony venues are balloon arrangements, glitter, confetti, or signs/banners that may obstruct other guests’ views or cover the venue’s permanent signage. Obscene language or graphic material will not be allowed. Noise makers will be retrieved at the entrance, or during the ceremony if necessary. University personnel reserves the right to search persons and belongings for illegal or restricted items.

Will I receive a commencement program?

We have transitioned to a resource-minded approach, and we now publish our commencement program via mobile app. You and your guests will be able to access the program via QR code.

Attire & Decorations

What is the expected dress attire?

We will continue to uphold the same dress code for all participating graduates: business casual, long pants, collared shirts (no t-shirts), no flip-flops; ties optional.

Graduates must wear their tam or mortarboard and have their robe zipped up during commencement ceremonies and other commencement-related events where regalia is required.

Can I decorate my regalia?

We will continue to uphold the same guidelines as in past years, in alignment with �鶹��Ƶ’s principles and mission.

Robes & Hoods: no altering, modifying embellishing or decorating
Cords/Stoles/Sashes/Medallions: as issued, approved, and managed by the schools
Leis: no food leis at commencement ceremonies; no flower leis (no exceptions) at baccalaureates
Mortarboards: this is regulated by the schools, and they will communicate with their graduates directly
Flags: graduates and guests are not allowed to bring/display flags, national or otherwise, in the commencement venues - baccalaureates, commencement ceremonies, hooding events, other. We seek to maintain a neutral and respectful atmosphere for all, that focuses on the graduates' achievements. The commencement stage displays the flags of countries represented by our graduates

Livestreams, Videos and Photos

Will I have a photo receiving my diploma?

Yes, a professional photographer has been contracted to take the official photo of each graduate receiving their diploma; the photo will include the Dean and the President, with the graduate in the middle. Photos will be available shortly after commencement season on our website; access is login/password protected. Schools will notify their graduates when videos and photos are available for viewing and downloading.

Will there be a video of the ceremony?

Yes, the University will produce a video of each school’s commencement, and the final edited video will be uploaded to the commencement website for viewing and downloading. The school will communicate with each graduate when the video has been uploaded.

What if my family member misses watching my ceremony live?

Immediate play-back of each ceremony will be available as raw footage, accessing the menu on the right at “Graduation Schedule”. A final and completed edited video will be available shortly after commencement season, along with the official photo of you with your diploma, the Dean and the President.

Accessibility and Assistance

Will the University provide a wheelchair or other form of transport to guests with mobility issues?

The University does not provide wheelchairs, but is does provide ADA designated parking areas and shuttles, giving priority to guests that require mobility assistance. To have access to ADA parking areas, guests must display their blue placard.

I am a graduate that requires special accommodations. Whom should I contact?

Please contact your dean’s office or school commencement coordinator, as far in advance as possible, to communicate your needs.

For guests or graduates requiring ASL services, the graduate should contact their dean's office or commencement coordinator right away.

Are all venues accessible?

Yes, all venues are accessible to individuals with mobility assistance devices. The University is prepared to accommodate seating in a manner that allows them to sit with their family.

Diplomas, Program and Other

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are issued by the Office of the Registrar. Most schools will present the graduate with the diploma cover at the ceremony, and upon confirmation by the school that all requirements have been met and they have signed off, the diploma will be mailed to the graduate. For additional information, please contact your school directly

How do I access the 2024 commencement program?

This year we are publishing the commencement program using a digital commencement program experience, accessible via QR code.

A final decision on printed programs or the ability to order printed programs following our commencements this year, has not been made as of this publishing.

How do I participate in social media?

When posting on social media, please use the hashtag #�鶹��ƵGrad.

�鶹��Ƶ