10-05-2025
When San Diego universities are holding their commencement ceremonies
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — It's almost time to throw the caps: Graduation season is arriving for San Diego's college students.
Commencement ceremonies began Saturday, kicking off with Point Loma Nazarene University. Next week, San Diego State University, California State University – San Marcos and University of San Diego will follow it up with their first day of graduation celebrations on Friday, May 16.
Whether you're a student, proud loved one of a graduate or neighbor of one of the county's universities, here's a round-up of what to know about San Diego's four-year colleges and their upcoming graduation festivities:
When: Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18
Where: Viejas Arena at SDSU campus
More than 12,000 SDSU students will be moving the tassel across their caps this year during its three-day commencement celebration. Each school will have its own ceremony at Viejas Arena, starting with the College of Sciences at 8 a.m. Friday.
The Viejas Arena doors will open up for families and other guests at least an hour before the ceremony's start time. Parking on campus will be $5 for those who prepay online before Thursday, May 15, and $10 day of.
Only students and their ticketed guests will be able to attend the ceremonies on campus, but for family who are unable to make it in-person can watch their graduate with the university's online livestream, which will be available both on its commencement website and Facebook page.
Additional guest tickets may also be available at the Viejas Arena Box Office prior to the ceremony, although SDSU notes there is no guarantee.
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When: Friday, May 16 to Saturday, May 17
Where: Mangrum Track & Field at CSUSM
Similarly to SDSU's commencement festivities, Cal State San Marcos, San Diego County's other California State University school, will be celebrating their students by school, beginning with the College of Business Administration at 9 a.m. Friday.
Each school's ceremony will be held on campus at Mangrum Track and Field. For those attending in-person, parking is free during commencement weekend.
All of the ceremonies are ticketed, but students' loved ones unable to attend in person will be able to livestream it online. The livestream is available on Cal State San Marcos' commencement live website.
When: Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18; Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, May 25
Where: Founder's Chapel and Jenny Craig Pavilion
University of San Diego's commencement celebrations are set to take place over the course of two weekends on campus. The first weekend will be entirely for graduate students, while the second weekend will include the undergraduate ceremonies.
Aside from the School of Law ceremony, which will take place at Founder's Chapel on Friday, May 16, each commencement event will be held at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Those attending in-person will be able enter the pavilion area about 90 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Parking will be available for guests at four of its on-campus lots, with a tram service running to shuttle folks to the pavilion.
The undergraduate commencement ceremonies are ticketed events, but an online livestream will be available for those unable to attend. The livestream will begin 15 minutes prior to the event's start time.
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When: Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15
Where: UCSD campus
UCSD will be conferring degrees for thousands of students during its graduation weekend beginning on Friday, June 13. Every school will have its own event for students, on top of an all campus commencement ceremony at RIMAC Field on Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m.
This year, the Tritons' all campus commencement keynote speaker will be six-time Ironman champion and UCSD alumni Mark Allen.
Guest tickets are not required for any of the commencement festivities, but the university advises family and loved ones of graduates to arrive early as seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Standing room may also be available.
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