Ceremony Instructions

RSVP Deadlines

All graduates must RSVP via Tassel (a unique link will be emailed to eligible graduates starting March 17, 2026).

Psychology Graduates:

Education Graduates:

Option to Rent or Purchase: Students and graduates can choose to rent or purchase Pepperdine custom regalia through Herff Jones by the deadline
RSVP & Name Pronunciation: Create your profile in Tassel, provide your full preferred name, phonetic spelling, and an optional voice recording for the name reader
Honor Cords: purchase an honor cord, if eligible
Info Webinars: Attend one of four commencement informational webinars (December 3, January 22, February 11, or March 17)

Location: Student check-in is located near the pond on Alumni Park
What to Bring: Bring your regalia with you. Wear sunscreen, as the area is uncovered and warm
Name Card & Cords: Collect your official name card and honor cords (if purchased) at check-in. You must have a name card to cross the stage
Robing Tent: Staff are available at the robing tent to assist with your cap, gown, and hood
Graduates' Bag Policy: Do not bring purses, backpacks, or non-essential items—there is no secure storage on-site

Find a seat in the staging area within your academic program section (doctoral candidates sit in assigned chairs, master's candidates may sit in any chair within their academic program section)
Follow staff usher cues closely. Once the line of march leaves the staging area, no late entry is permitted. Children are not permitted in the staging area or line of march

Rise when the Dean calls your degree level and remain standing until the President confers the degree
When ushered, take your name card and march forward to the stage
Stage Flow: Enter on the right, hand your card to the reader, shake hands with the President, and exit to the left
Smile for the photographers as you receive your diploma cover and exit the stage!
Graduates must return to their seat and remain for the duration of the ceremony
Following the benediction, the platform party will exit, followed by the graduates and then the faculty

Gown Return: Drop off your rental gown at the Herff Jones table in Alumni Park before leaving campus (caps, tassels, and honor cords are yours to keep)
Meet & Greet: Celebrate with family, friends, and faculty on the lawn at Alumni Park

Tickets Required: Each guest must display an individual ticket for entry
Allocation: 6 to 10 tickets, based on RSVP count, will be emailed directly to graduates
Additional tickets: May be requested via the waiting list starting on April 17 for Psychology and April 28 for Education
Weather: In the event of inclement weather, graduates will be notified with updated instructions

GSEP Commencement Office: gsepgrad@pepperdine.edu | 310.568.5757