Find answers to common questions about the 2024 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 26
  • 8:30 a.m. – Medicine
  • 1:30 p.m. – Pharmacy
  • 5 p.m. – Dentistry
Friday, June 7 
  • 1 p.m. – School of Public Health
  • 4 p.m. – San Manuel Gateway College
Sunday, June 9
  • 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
  • 3:30 p.m. – Nursing – Summer 2024, Autumn 2024, and Winter 2024
  • 6 p.m. – Nursing – Spring 2024

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 25 

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

Saturday, June 9 

  • 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 two 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 confiscate any item that is deemed unacceptable.

Will I receive a commencement program?

This year we are moving in a resource-minded new direction, and will be offering the commencement program content via digital platform. 

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.

Can I decorate my regalia?

We will continue to uphold the same guidelines as in past years, in alignment with LLU’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 

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.

I am a guest needing accessibility accommodations. Whom should I contact?

For guests requiring ASL, your 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 #LLUGrad.