Commencement

Commencement Checklist

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible.

​Check your eligibility for requirements that pertain to your degree (master’s and doctoral). You can participate in Commencement if you completed a degree program in one of the following semesters and have not walked in a previous Saybrook commencement ceremony.

• Summer 2026
• Fall 2026

OR

You anticipate graduating in Spring and Summer 2027 and indicate on the Intent to Participate in Commencement form which requirements you have remaining with an estimated completion date.

See the Office of the Registrar’s Degree Conferral​ page for details on the graduate application. Once the Petition to Graduate form has been completed and received by the Office of the Registrar, the student can complete the Intent to Participate Form. The Degree Conferral form is mandatory for all graduating students, regardless of whether you choose to attend the ceremony or not.

Step 2: Sign Up for the Commencement Ceremony 

To walk in the ceremony, you must complete the Intent to Participate Form by March 5, 2027.​ This form is used to secure your spot in the Commencement Ceremony, allowing you to participate and walk during the event. Filling out this form indicates your desire to be present and recognized during the ceremony. This will also ensure your name is in the Commencement program.  

Please note that students who miss the March 5th deadline will not have their names in the booklet. 

Step 3: Order Regalia 

We will have regalia ordering website information coming soon.

Your regalia package will include: 

• Master Degree – Masters cap, gown hood, and tassel w/year date charm
• Doctoral Degree – Doctorate tam, gown, tassel and hood

Once ordering is complete, your orders will be delivered in three to four weeks.

Remember, all regalia orders are for purchase only, rental regalia is unavailable. 

Step 4: Book Your Hotel

Saybrook University has secured a hotel block at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach Hotel. We will have hotel block information coming soon.

Step 5: Attend Virtual Rehearsal 

Be sure to check your email for any updates from the Saybrook Commencement Email. You will receive information regarding the Student Virtual Rehearsal closer to the commencement date. This rehearsal is designed to help all graduates understand the flow of the ceremony and address any questions or concerns.​

Step 6: Attend Student Reception  

Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Time: 5-7p.m. 
Venue: Hyatt Regency Long Beach Hotel, 200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802.

Step 7​: Attend Commencement Ceremony, JUNE 3RD!

Ceremony participants will have to check in at the graduate check-in area starting at 9:30 a.m. The lineup for the ceremony will occur promptly at 10:20 a.m., and the ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

Graduation is one event where it’s not fashionable to be late! The ceremony will last for approximately two hours.  Parking is available in the designated hotel parking lots around the venue. Please budget time to locate parking and travel to the venue. Seating will open at 10 a.m., and all guests must wait in the hotel lobby until the ballroom doors open. Please leave all personal belongings with your guests. 

Event Schedule: 

Be sure to read the Day of Ceremony Student Instructions​. 

Watch the Live Stream on the day of the ceremony. A link will be posted here a week before the ceremony.

Commencement Day Tips

• Leave early – Southern California is infamous for traffic. Map out your route in advance, and add 30 minutes or more to allow for rush hour traffic.
• Pick a meeting place – It’s hard to find your family and friends among a sea of people. Familiarize yourself with the area around the venue and pick a place to meet your guests once the ceremony is over.
• Be patient and flexible – Commencement will last approximately 2 hours. If you are planning celebrations/lunch reservations after the event, be aware the ceremony could end earlier or later than the scheduled time.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the most Frequently Asked ​Questions​​.​