Graduation & Commencement

Grad Fest & Transfer Celebration

 

decorated mortar board

SMC Pearl with mortar board

Grad Fest 2023

Thursday, June 1 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. by RSVP
Main Campus - Campus Quad

  • 2023 Graduates: By Invitation - RSVP Required - RSVP by May 31 (check your personal and SMC email for invitation)

Transferring to a University in Fall 2023?

Attend "Transfer Toast"

Visit the Transfer Lounge (SSC 230) any time on Tuesday, May 30th between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to take a photo, network with other students, and enjoy a toast with sparkling apple cider and cake as we celebrate students transferring to a four-year school for Fall 2023! 

About Grad Fest

Celebrate your success at Grad Fest and Transfer Celebration! Get everything you need for Commencement in one place - FREE cap, gown,  and tassel to grads who register to attend both the Commencement ceremony and Grad Fest***. Buy your honor sash. Collect a special stole/sash/pin if you're part of a participating Special Program. Snap a selfie on our graduation themed backdrops. Decorate your cap, enjoy music, and win giveaways. Join us and make memories with your fellow grads. Don't miss out!

  • Cap Decorating: We will have cap decorating tables with a lot of things to decorate your mortar board for free (courtesy of Admissions & Records).
  • Cap Decorating Contest:
    • Post a photo of your decorated graduation cap to Instagram and tag #SnapMyCap and @smcedu.
    • Post your picture on or before June 13.
    • The winner of our grand prize will be announced on Instagram and other college publications.
    • All participants must adhere to SMC’s Student Conduct Rules. Have fun, be creative with your design!

*Free Regalia

Thanks to the generous support from the Associated Students, regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) will be free to the first 1,100 graduates who RSVP to participate in both Commencement and Grad Fest. Graduates must RSVP by May 31.

The free regalia will be distributed to graduates at Grad Fest on June 1--not at anytime earlier than this.

  • You will come to the Main Campus and head to the Bookstore.
  • Bring a government issued photo identification.
  • Know your height so you can be given the right size gown. If you do not know your height, we can take it when you arrive. Unfortunately, you will not be able to try on the gown.
  • There is no guarantee we will have your exact size.
  • Exchanges/returns will not be accepted.
  • If any regalia sets are left after Grad Fest, graduates may pick up a set at the SMC Bookstore starting on June 5 (Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; first-come, first served; government issued photo ID required).
  • The Bookstore will be provided a list of eligible graduates.

Can I bring guests?

Guests are welcome to accompany you. Please note that while the event is free-flowing, we haven't planned any specific activities for family or guests. Photo booths are available.

Accomodations

If you require accommodations, please contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 310-434-4265 or dsps@smc.edu at least 5 business days in advance. The Center’s staff will then work with our Commencement staff to ensure approved accommodations are met.

Unsure About Grad Fest?

View last year's Grad Fest pictures. It was fun! 

student at grad fest