June 8, 2021

New face covering guidance is available on the Campus Safety page. All campus members and visitors should have a mask with them at all times while on campus. Regardless of vaccination status, everyone must mask indoors. Outdoor masking requirements depend upon vaccination status. While informed by county and state guidance, the university’s masking policies will remain as we move into the summer. Thank you for your vigilance. 

Opportunities for indoor and outdoor in-person events for our students, staff and faculty are now available and include graduation ceremonies and celebrations, dance practices, speaker engagements and more. Learn about capacity limits, masking requirements and other safety guidelines for planning and attending campus events.  

UC San Diego is proposing a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy, which will be applicable to all UC San Diego staff employees. This Policy is in support of our shared principles of innovation, equity and flexibility. Employees covered by this policy are invited to review and submit comments to hr@ucsd.edu by July 7. 

A new California vaccine incentive program has launched. Those who receive their first shot after May 27 will get a $50 gift card. Californians aged 12 and older who have received at least one dose will be automatically entered to win $50,000 on June 11 (15 will be selected) or $1.5 million on June 15 (10 will be selected). Learn more about receiving a vaccination through UC San Diego Health.

Answer: Yes, graduating students may bring up to two guests. All guests must arrive together and with their graduate. Guests arriving on their own will not be permitted at the venue, no exceptions. Please visit the Commencement 2021 website for more information regarding guests.

Answer: All graduates and guests must be fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 test within 24 to 72 hours prior to the ceremony. Please be prepared to show proof if requested on site.

All graduates should complete their self-screener online and be prepared to show their “green thumbs up” for that day. Please visit the Testing and Screening page for more information on how to conduct a symptom screening and take a COVID-19 test. Guests should be prepared to answer health screening questions prior to entry. 

Answer: All health and safety measures will be observed, based on California and county guidelines, as well as campus policies, which require continuous masking for the duration of each Commencement ceremony, except when actively hydrating.

Graduates will not process into the ceremony area this year. In-person graduates will be able to remove their mask while crossing the stage during the graduate recognition portion of the ceremony. Further information about UC San Diego’s Campus Safety Requirements are available online.