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Seaver Spring 2024 Commencement FAQs

Class of 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

The commencement ceremony for the Seaver College graduating class of 2024 undergraduate and graduate students will take place at Alumni Park on Saturday, April 27. Graduates will have the opportunity to process across the stage, hear their name announced, receive their diploma covers, and have photos taken.

For those who cannot join us in Malibu, all in-person activities will be broadcast online, live, and on-demand for future viewing. Below please find additional information.

In-Person Commencement Ceremonies at Alumni Park

  When is the Class of 2024 commencement ceremony?

The Class of 2024 commencement ceremony will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:30AM in Alumni Park, Malibu, CA.

  What graduates are considered part of the Class of 2024?
Students who completed their requirements in Spring 2023 had more than 12 units in summer, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024.
  If I graduated in an early year but was unable to attend the commencement ceremony can I walk in the Class of 2024 ceremony?

Please complete the Request to Walk form if you are a former Seaver College student who has graduated prior to 2024 but was unable to walk in your commencement ceremony and would like to request to walk this year. (If you are a December 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 grad you do not need to fill out this form). 

Please email SeaverGraduation@Pepperdine.edu with any questions. 

  What will take place at the in-person commencement ceremony?

The President, Provost and Dean will present and confer degrees at this ceremony. Remarks will be given by the commencement speaker. Graduates will have the opportunity to process across the stage, hear their name announced, receive their diploma covers, and have photos taken by a professional photography service. Guests are encouraged to stay in their seats for the duration of the ceremony.

  What COVID-19 guidelines are being followed during the commencement ceremonies?

The Pepperdine University Covid response team is following LA County’s best practices for mega events. As guidelines change, we recommend checking back to the Seaver Graduation webpage frequently.

  Will I be able to invite guests to attend? How do I sign up to attend the in-person commencement ceremonies at Alumni Park?

Seaver College’s Commencement Ceremony, held at Alumni Park, is open to all guests of graduating students. In the unlikely event that the weather requires us to hold the ceremony somewhere other than Alumni Park, this may change. We recommend checking back to the Seaver graduation webpage frequently.

  What do I need to bring to the ceremony?
It is recommended that you bring sunscreen and a hat as sun-sensitive seating areas will be extremely limited.
  How can I apply to speak at the ceremony? 

Graduated seniors of 2024 may apply to speak at commencement. Two student participants are needed for each graduation: 1) Graduation Speaker; 2) Graduate to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. For additional information, please visit the Senior Speaker page. 

  Will there be concessions available? 

Due to the current county guidelines, there will not be concessions available at the ceremony, but water bottles will be made available for all graduates. Guests are welcome to bring their own water to the graduation ceremony.

  Will the ceremony be broadcast for those unable to attend?

Yes, for those who cannot join us in Malibu, all in-person activities will be broadcast online, live, and on-demand for future viewing. The link will be available on the commencement website. Livestreams will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of each commencement ceremony.

  Do I need to attend the in-person commencement ceremony at Alumni Park to have my degree conferred?

No, graduates do not need to attend to have their degree conferred. Diplomas will be mailed to you at the diploma address on file approximately 120 days after you graduate. Make sure you have a valid mailing address recorded with OneStop to ensure you receive your diploma. If you would like to pick up your diploma instead of having it mailed to you, please contact OneStop.

Pepperdine Diploma Policy: Pepperdine University awards one diploma for each level of academic degree earned (e.g. bachelor, master). This diploma reflects all majors/program completed for that level of degree.

  Will Loqui be taking place this year?

Full details on the program and graduate participation may be found on the Loqui website.

  If I am graduating "in absentia" can I still have my name read at the commencement ceremony on the live stream?

If you are graduating "in absentia" but would still like to have your name read at the commencement ceremony please fill out this Google form no later than March 22, 2024.

  Will there be accessible parking and shuttles?

On-campus parking is available and Public Safety Officers will be direct traffic on the day of commencement. Shuttles will be in service, available at any marked campus shuttle stop. Special parking arrangements have been made for guests with special accessibility needs at convenient locations, and guests with accessibility needs can be directed to these locations by Public Safety Officers. Carpooling is recommended due to possible traffic delays. For more information, contact the Department of Public Safety at the information booths or call 310.506.4700.

  What is the rainy day plan?

In the event of rain, commencement will be moved to Firestone Fieldhouse. All graduates will take their seats prior to the start of the ceremony. Due to extremely limited indoor seating, tickets will be required for admission. Rainy Day tickets will be distributed to students at the time that a weather decision is made. Each graduate will receive two guest tickets for entrance to Firestone Fieldhouse. Graduates’ additional guests are strongly encouraged to view the ceremony via livestream from the convenience and comfort of their preferred off-campus location.

  What if I have pending financial obligations?

It is important to clear all financial obligations with the Library, the Student Health Center, the Student Accounts Office, and the Financial Aid Office prior to graduation. For Student Accounts information, call 310.506.8000. If you have borrowed a Federal Direct Stafford, Federal Perkins, or Pepperdine Institutional loan at any time while at Pepperdine, please complete an online Loan Exit Counseling session prior to graduation. For additional information, visit the Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling Information web page.

  What photographs will be taken?

Graduates will be photographed as they receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony by Grad Images. In the past, Grad Images has been able to deliver proofs by email within 24 hours to graduates who indicate an email address on cards available at regalia pick up on the day before graduation. Please use this photography service and remain seated during the ceremony.

 

Regalia

  Do I need to wear regalia for the in-person commencement ceremony?

Yes. Graduation regalia distribution will be held at Grad Fest on Friday, April 26, on the Malibu Campus.

  Do I need to order or reserve regalia?

Graduates attending the ceremony in person can reserve graduation regalia online on Herff Jones’ website. In-person assistance is available during Graduation Kickoff, held on the Malibu campus at the bookstore on Tuesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 14 from 10am-4pm. 

  Will regalia be shipped to my home or can I pick it up at Alumni Park?

Regalia will be available for pickup at Grad Fest on Friday, April 26, on the Malibu Campus at Mullin Town Square.

  Can I rent regalia on the day of my commencement ceremony?

A limited amount of regalia will be available at Alumni Park on the day of your ceremony; however, to avoid waiting in possibly long lines, we strongly recommend picking up your regalia at Grad Fest on Friday, April 26, on the Malibu Campus at Mullin Town Square.

  How do I return my regalia after the in-person commencement ceremony?

All rented regalia should be dropped off in the return bins located at Alumni Park following your ceremony.

  How do I return my rented regalia if I cannot attend the in-person ceremony?

Please use the return shipping label that was included in your original delivery to ship back to Herff Jones.

  Can I keep my cap and tassel that came with my rented regalia?

Yes, the cap, tassel, and purchased stoles/sashes are yours to keep.


Honor Cords

  How do graduates get honor cords?

Honor cords are only given to undergraduate students who have a minimum 3.5 GPA. You will be contacted by your school’s commencement coordinator or academic advisor during the spring semester if you are eligible to receive one. They are free of charge.

  Where do I pick up my honor cord?

Honor cords will be available for pickup prior to your commencement at the Graduate Check-In area. Honors students are asked to arrive at Alumni Park at 9am on the morning of the ceremony.

 

Diplomas & Program

  When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to you at the diploma address on file approximately 120 days after degrees are conferred on April 27. Make sure you have a valid mailing address recorded with OneStop to ensure you receive your diploma. If you would like to pick up your diploma instead of having it mailed to you, please contact OneStop.

Pepperdine Diploma Policy: Pepperdine University awards one diploma for each level of academic degree earned (e.g. bachelor, master). This diploma reflects all majors/program completed for that level of degree.

  Will my name be in my class’s commencement printed program?

If you have worked with OneStop to confirm that your requirements are complete, you will be listed in the program (more details can be found here). Get cleared by Friday, March 22, 2024 to guarantee your name in the program.

  How do I get a copy of the printed program?

The commencement printed program will be handed out to students and guests at the in-person ceremonies at Alumni Park. You will also be able to download a copy of the program from the commencement website.