2025 Commencement Ceremony

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We are pleased to announce the Saybrook University Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, at 11:00 am PDT, at Sheraton Universal Hotel, 33 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA, 91608.​​

Steps to Participate

• Petition for Degree Conferral  (in your final semester)
• Intent to Participate in Commencement Form​ by Friday, March 7, 2025.
• Order regalia for the ceremony by April 25, 2025.

Regalia
Question: How do I purchase/obtain my regalia for commencement?
To place an order, visit herff.ly/saybrook​ and select your degree level. The website will become available for 2025 on January 27, 2025.  

Question: What is included in the regalia package?
Master Degree - Masters cap, gown hood, and tassel w/year date charm
Doctoral Degree - Doctorate tam, gown, tassel and hood

Question: How do I know my hood color? 
You will pick your program from the list. The color has already been chosen by your department chairs. 

Question: How do I determine what size gown to purchase?
After choosing which regalia package to purchase, you will input your height, weight, and then your program on the same page.

Question: What is the deadline to purchase my regalia?
The ordering site closes at 9:00 PM PT on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Question: When will I receive my regalia?
Cap and gown orders will be delivered in three to four weeks.

Question: What if I need to make a change to my regalia, or cancel my order?
Please call Herff Jones Customer Service at 1.800.837.4235 within 24 hours of placing the order.

Question: What if my regalia has not arrived on time?
Please contact Amanda Sigwing, your local Herff Jones sales representative, at [email protected].

Question: Am I able to rent regalia?
No, the Regalia is only for purchase.

Question: What should I do if I am not sure I participate in the commencement ceremony?
Contact Saybrook Commencement department at [email protected]

Question: Who do I contact if I have other regalia-related questions?
Contact Saybrook Commencement department at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions
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Question:  What Commencement deadlines do I have to meet?

Complete the Intent to Participate in Commencement Form- Friday, March 7, 2025.
Order Regalia by April 25, 2025. 
Book your Hotel Room with the Sheraton Universal Hotel by May 12, 2025. See more detailed information below. 

Question: What is the difference between the Intent to Participate form and the Degree Conferral form? 

The Intent to Participate form and the Degree Conferral form serve different purposes in the graduation process.

Intent to Participate Form: 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.

Degree Conferral Form: This form is required for your degree to be conferred. It confirms that you have met all the requirements for graduation. Completing the Degree Conferral form does not indicate your intention to participate in the ceremony. Please see the Academic Calendar for due dates. ​

If you wish to participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you must 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.


Question:  Do we need tickets for the ceremony?
Tickets are not required for the ceremony.

Question:  Will I receive academic honors at graduation or on my diploma and transcript?
Honors are not awarded at this time. 

Question:  Am I eligible to participate in this year's Commencement ceremony?​

You are eligible to 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.

• Spring 2024
• Summer 2024
• Fall 2024
OR
You anticipate graduating in Spring and Summer 2025 and indicate on the Intent to Participate in Commencement form which requirements you have remaining with an estimated completion date.

Question: May I walk for more than one degree?
If you are completing two-degree programs in one academic year, you may only be recognized during Commencement in one-degree program, but your name will be listed in the commencement bulletin for both degrees assuming you have filed all required paperwork. You may walk only one time per degree earned, so, if you have participated in a commencement ceremony already, you may not do so again.

Question: What should I expect on the day of the ceremony?
Ceremony participants must check in at the Sheraton Universal Ballroom area starting at 9:30 am. The lineup for the ceremony will occur promptly at 10:20 am, and the ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 am. The ceremony will last for approximately 2 hours.  Parking is available in the designated hotel parking lots around the venue. Please budget time for locating parking and traveling to the venue. Seating will open at 10:00 am, and all guests must wait outside until the ballroom doors open. Please leave all personal belongings with your guests.

Question: Where do I park?
More information to come. 

Question: Need a hotel? 

You have the option to book their reservation with the link or they can contact our Central Reservations at 1 (800) 325-3535. If you contact Central Reservations, you will just have to mention the group name (code: Saybrook University 2025 Commencement), date(s),​ and room type. 

Here is the reservation link you can use to make reservations:


If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Central Reservations. If the reservation link does not work, the room type is not available for the dates they selected. ​ 


Question: Do we need to wear masks? ​
It is not mandatory! 

Question: Want to know more about Universal Studios Hollywood? 
Here is a Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood 
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Event Schedule
 9:30am                                Participant Check-In Opens 
10:00am                               Doors opens for general seating (balloons prohibited)
10:20am                               Participant Lineup 
11:00am – 1:00pm                Commencement Ceremony

Commencement Day Tips
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  • 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 Beckman Auditorium 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.​


Contact Us
[email protected]
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