As Santa Clara Law prepares for Commencement, we look forward to welcoming our students' loved ones to campus. This momentous occasion is more than just a ceremony; it is an honored tradition made possible by your continued support. Because of that, the Law Commencement Team is committed to ensuring it is a joyous time for all.
General Event Information
What is the Commencement format?
The day before the Commencement ceremony, the law school will host a Liturgical Mass to honor the graduating class. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration.
Santa Clara Law will hold its traditional Commencement Ceremony at the Leavey Center on the Santa Clara University campus. Please note that the stage crossing during the ceremony will not be live-streamed but will be recorded and made available for later viewing.
The Dean’s Celebration of Spirit and Excellence is an invitation-only award ceremony hosted before the liturgy. The Dean’s Office will contact student honorees to share event details and guest information.
What time will the doors open for the Commencement Ceremony?
Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.
How long is the Commencement Ceremony?
The ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours.
Admission & Tickets
How many tickets do graduates receive?
Each graduate will receive eight (8) guest tickets for the Commencement ceremony and will be responsible for distributing those tickets to their guests.
Graduates will be required to provide their guests’ names and email addresses. Guests can access their tickets via email and must have a screenshot or printed copy of their ticket to be admitted to the ceremony.
Do all guests need tickets to be admitted?
All guests are required to have valid tickets printed or available on their mobile devices. Children 2 years of age and under do not require a ticket.
What is the bag policy?
Guests can view the University Bag Check Policy in detail here.
Event Preparedness & ADA
What are the suggested preparedness measures for emergencies?
An emergency evacuation plan will be shared before the event begins. This will include a visual of the routes and a brief explanation.
Visiting guests of the University are strongly encouraged to subscribe to SCU Bronco Alerts for the duration of your stay. You may do so with the keyword below. Note that this subscription will automatically expire after 5 days.
From your smartphone, text "SCUEVENTS" to 226787 (CAMPUS) to receive alerts from SCU Bronco Alert
Message and data rates may apply. Text messages are sent on an as-needed basis. This service is provided per the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy at Rave Mobile Safety. Text STOP to all messages or HELP for tech support.
Will there be ADA seating?
ADA seating is available around the concourse and on the ground level of Leavey Center. Elevators are available for use to access ground-level seating. These seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is highly recommended that guests arrive when the doors open at 7:30 a.m.
Where can I find ADA parking?
ADA parking is available in the Leavey Lot. Guests who park in any of the marked disabled parking spots are responsible for bringing their Disabled Person (DP) placards or valid DP license plates.
Please bring wheelchairs and walkers as needed, as we are unable to provide wheelchairs to our guests at this time.
Questions regarding ADA compliance may be directed to lawgraduation@scu.edu.
Parking & Directions
Where should I park?
Parking on the SCU Campus during Law Commencement is complimentary for graduates and their guests. However, both standard parking and ADA parking will be severely impacted due to the large crowds expected, so please arrive early to Commencement events.
We strongly recommend using rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or carpooling to campus, if possible. To access the rideshare drop-off area, please enter the University through the main entrance at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, and stay to the right.
Approved guest parking lots on Commencement weekend are:
- Main Campus Parking Structure - 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
- Leavey Lot - Leavey Event Center, Santa Clara, CA 95053 (ADA Parking)
Additional FAQs
Will graduates be professionally photographed?
Professional photographers will be present at the ceremony. Photos taken by photographers will be available on the Santa Clara Law Flickr or via GradImages if students opt in.
Will there be a flower vendor on campus for Commencement?
An SCU-approved vendor, Rosies & Posies Downtown, will sell a small selection of flowers on campus before the Commencement ceremony and donate 20% of the proceeds to the Santa Clara Law Student Bar Association. You can choose from a larger variety of gifts by pre-ordering online and picking up your order before the ceremony.
Pre-order Instructions: Once you have chosen your graduate’s gift, select the delivery option and proceed to check out. Under “Special Instructions,” please note that you will be picking up your order at the Santa Clara Law Commencement.