MD Class of 2025 - Ceremony Information for Graduates & Guests

1. Entry instructions – Gate 33 – Parking Cost: $15 - via Security Checkpoint via metal detector)

 

Guests should enter the Riverside Convention Center at the Belltower main entrance. Students will enter at the lower-level entrance and proceed to the Student Prep Room. Guests needing extra assistance may enter at the lower level and proceed up the ballroom via elevator or escalator. Signage and CUSM staff will be available for directional information.

Note: We will have two professional photographers and one videographer. Complimentary photos will be provided to all students at the end of the ceremony.

 

2. Guest Information & Arrival Time

Students are requested to bring no more than six (6) guests to the ceremonies.  If students choose to select a family hooder, the hooder will need to use one of the six tickets that have been provided. Note: This information is posted on the commencement page.

• Guest Arrival Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Ceremony Start Time: 10:00 a.m. (prompt)
• Entry Instructions: Guests, faculty, and graduate students will enter through the main entrance. Handicap accessibility available.
• Faculty and graduate students will proceed down the escalator to their designated prep room.

 

3. Graduating Student Line-Up & Ceremony Procedures

• Student Arrival Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Prep Room Location: "Graduate Student Prep Room" (from the main lobby, go down the escalator).
• Refreshments: Provided in the prep room for graduates only.
• Academic Regalia: Required for all graduates participating on stage.
• Line-Up Deadline: 9:30 a.m.
• The formal processional begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
• Line-Up Instructions:
• Staff ushers will organize the line-up.
• Students must remain in order and follow cues from ushers and faculty.
• Hooding Process:
• Takes place at the base of the stage stairs.
• Faculty will be available to hood graduates.
• Family Hooder: Please instruct your hooder to meet you at the side of the stage when you line up for hooding.
• Post-Ceremony:
• After the ceremony, an announcement will be made asking guests to remain seated.
• Graduates will proceed to the designated area for a Faculty & Student Group Photo.

 

4. Dress Code

 

Due to the formality of this occasion and safety concerns regarding walking on the steps and stage, please wear appropriate footwear; flip flops, clogs, loose-fitting shoes, and high heels are not recommended. Flowers and corsages should not be carried or worn in the academic procession.

 

5. Regalia Rental & Return

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Regalia will be distributed during Grad Fest. After the ceremony, all regalia must be returned to a student affairs staff member in the Designated Area.  You must initial the return form for proof of return. 

 

6.     Graduation Regalia (how to properly wear)

 

• Tam/Cap: Wear the tam horizontally so that it is parallel to the ground and sits about an inch above the ears. Place the tassel on the left side of the tam (flipping the tassel is only for undergraduate degrees).
• Gown: All candidates for graduation are required to wear the exact academic regalia for their degree (gown, hood, and tam). The gown must be worn closed (zipped).
• Academic Hood: Preparation and position for carrying during the

 

The significance of wearing the hood is very much valued. It is a symbol of pride and academic success, which is why graduates should wear them properly.

How to carry the hood during procession – placed on the left arm

Step 1: Hold the hood in both hands with the velvet edge at the front. (see photo)

Step 2: Fold the hood once in half.

Step 3: Drape the folded hood over the left arm, narrow (neck) end in front, velvet edging to the front with the string on the outskirt.

1. Student Recognition and Hooding: As you rise for the hooding, please drape the hood over your left arm and have your name card ready in your right hand. A staff member will be located just off the line up area to provide direction and to ensure that you are carrying your hood properly. At this time, your family hooder should proceed to the line up area and join you. (please give instructions before the ceremony)
2. The Hooding: A photographer will be taking photos of the hooding. Please wait your turn and when prompted, hold out your left arm towards the family member/faculty who will “hood” you. They will take your You will turn around to face the audience. Take a photo with your family member/faculty. Then, proceed to the stage in order.

Instructions for the hooder: The hood will be placed over the graduate’s head, so that it lays against the front of his/her neck and drapes over the back of shoulders. The velvet side, signifying the degree type, should be most visible on the outside, with the satin side, signifying the school colors, should be less visible on the inside of the hood. It is recommended that family hooders search out videos on YouTube to familiarize themselves with the proper technique.

3. Proceed to the stage: Each candidate will present the name card to the reader, who will introduce the candidate. The Graduate will proceed across the stage for recognition from the Dean and Board President. Graduates will continue to process to receive their diploma cover from the Executive Vice Then, exit stage for a final photo in full regalia and diploma cover. (An Usher will guide you)
4. Proceed back to your seat and take your

5.      Procession and Group Photo – please follow the faculty after the procession to the group photo area. Further details will be provided during the preparation time prior to the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS MD CLASS OF 2025! 

 

Students will pick up their regalia during the week prior to the ceremonies. More information will be distributed to students via e-mail closer to the ceremony date.

Regalia must be returned at the end of the ceremony. 

1. Tam/Cap: Wear the team horizontally so that it is parallel to the ground and sits about an inch above the ears. Place the tassel on the left side of the tam (flipping the tassel is only for undergraduate degrees). 
2. Gown: All graduation candidates must wear the exact academic regalia for their degree (gown, hood, and tam). The gown must be worn closed (zipped). 
3. Academic Hood: Preparation and position for carrying during the procession. The significance of wearing the hood is very much valued. It symbolizes pride and academic success, so graduates should wear them properly. How to carry the hood during procession – placed on the left arm. Step 1: Hold the hood in both hands with the velvet edge at the front. (see photo) Step 2: Fold the hood once in half. Step 3: Drape the folded hood over the left arm, narrow (neck) end in front, velvet edging to the front with the string on the outskirt. 
4. Student Recognition and Hooding: As you rise for the hooding, please drape the hood over your left arm and have your name card in your right hand. A staff member will be located just off the line-up area to provide direction and ensure you carry your hood correctly. At this time, your family hooder should proceed to the line-up area and join you. (please give instructions before the ceremony)  
5. The Hooding: A photographer will be taking photos of the hooding. Please wait your turn, and when prompted, hold out your left arm towards the family member/faculty who will "hood" you. They will take your hood. You will turn around to face the audience. Take a photo with your family member/faculty. Then, proceed to the stage in order. Instructions for the hooder: The hood will be placed over the Graduate's head to lie against the front of their neck and drape over the back of their shoulders. The velvet side, signifying the degree type, should be most visible on the outside, with the satin side, signifying the school colors, should be less visible on the inside of the hood. We recommend that family hooders search out videos on YouTube to familiarize themselves with the proper technique.
6. Proceed to the stage: Each candidate will present the name card to the reader, who will introduce the candidate. The Graduate will proceed across the stage for recognition from the Dean and Board President. Graduates will continue to process to receive their diploma cover from the Executive Vice Dean. Then, exit stage for a final photo in full regalia and diploma cover. (An Usher will guide you)
7. Proceed back to your seat and take your seat. 
8. Procession and Group Photo – please follow the faculty to the group photo area after the procession. Further details will be provided during the preparation time before the ceremony.
9. Dress/Attire: Due to the formality of this occasion and safety concerns regarding walking on the steps and stage, please wear appropriate footwear; flip-flops, clogs, loose-fitting shoes, and high heels are not recommended. Flowers and corsages should not be carried or worn in the academic procession. 
10. Venue Details/PPT Layout (parking, student entrance, service elevator, and reporting location. a. Parking – Lot 33 b. Cost: $15 per vehicle c. Student Prep Area -The Graduate Student Prep Room is the staging area for graduates. Location - from the main entrance, proceed down the escalator. Please do not bring family or guests to the staging area. Signage will indicate the proper location.
11. Seating Layout: (PPT) 

Students will be seated in the MIDDLE section of the seating area. Staff ushers will direct you as you process into the venue.

Students are requested to bring no more than six (6) guests to the ceremonies.
If students choose to select a family hooder, the hooder will need to use one of the six tickets that have been provided.

If you would like to print personal graduation announcements through a printing service (e.g. Zazzle, Shutterfly, Vistaprint), you may download CUSM's logo (below).

From Los Angeles

60 East (Riverside) – Exit right on Main Street Main Street runs directly into Convention Center Parking (at 3rd Street) (OR) 10 East to 15 South (San Diego) 60 East (Riverside) – Exit right on Main Street Main Street runs directly into Convention Center Parking (at 3rd Street)

 

From Ontario/Pasadena (or Los Angeles)

10 East (Riverside) to 15 South (San Diego)

60 East (Riverside) – Exit right on Main Street Main Street runs directly into Convention Center Parking (at 3rd Street)

 

From Orange County/Beach Cities

91 East (Riverside) – Exit University Ave. Go thru first signal (University Ave.) Turn left at second signal (Mission Inn Ave.) Turn right on Orange Street Turn left on 3rd Street Turn left on Main – Enter Convention Center Parking

 

From San Bernardino

215 to the 60 West (Riverside) 60 West (Riverside) – Exit left on Main Street Main Street runs directly into Convention Center Parking (at 3rd Street)

 

From San Diego/Temecula

15 North to 91 East (Riverside) Exit University Ave/Downtown Go thru first signal (University Ave.) Turn left at second signal (Mission Inn Ave.) Turn right on Orange Street Turn left on 3rd Street Turn left on Main – Enter Convention Center Parking

 

From Palm Springs

10 West to 60 West 60 West (Riverside) – Exit left on Main Street Main Street runs directly into Convention Center Parking (at 3rd Street)

Convention Center Parking Entrance: LOT 33

3698 3rd Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Parking cost: $15.00

Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center

3400 Market St., Riverside, CA, 92501

(951) 784-8000

 

Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown

3500 Market St., Riverside, CA 92501

(951) 321-3500

 

Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown

3505 Market St., Riverside, CA 92501

(951) 788-5000

 

Mission Inn and Spa

3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

(951) 784-0300