Information for Families and Guests

Merrill's 2019 Commencement Ceremony will be on Sunday, June 16th at 1:30 pm on the Quarry Amphitheater.

For the first time, UC Santa Cruz will be utilizing ticketing for each ceremony.

Each graduate will receive 6 tickets to distribute to their family and friends for attendance, as well as 2 parking passes. Unless a guest has a ticket, they will not be able to join us on campus for commencement. We will offer live-streaming for each commencement ceremony so individuals who are unable to join us in person can still cheer their grad on from afar.

Normal parking passes are not valid during Commencement Weekend, June 14, 15, and 16. Each graduate will be issued two parking passes starting Monday, June 3rd at the Merrill College Office. Unfortunately, due to extremely limited parking and the massive influx of people during Commencement Weekend we are unable to offer additional parking passes under any circumstances.

There is a designated Disability parking lot, with shuttle service available. In order to use this lot a Merrill Disability Parking Pass will be required. Merrill Disability Parking Passes can be requested by graduates when they register for commencement. up parking passes at the Commencement Rehearsal on June 15th, it will replace one of the standard parking passes they would otherwise receive.

Please observe all parking regulations. For the most current information see the TAPS website. Do not park at the Merrill Circle, as this area is reserved for emergency access. There are free Shuttle Services to the drop off site near the Quarry Amphitheater and the parking area.

No, guests are expected to exit the amphitheater to allow the next college to set up for their commencement ceremony.

Visit the UC Santa Cruz websites for maps and directions. The Merrill Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Quarry Amphitheater, with guests parking in the designated ceremony parking lot. A shuttle service will run continuously from the parking area and drop guests off near to the ceremony site.

Merrill College and UC Santa Cruz have contracted with Best Grad Photo™ to professionally photograph our ceremony. They will take pictures of the graduates right before their name is read on stage, as well as take a photograph of each graduate being handed their commemorative scroll. Photo proofs are sent by Best Grad Photo™ approximately 72 hours after the ceremony, and there is no obligation to buy. To receive proofs, grads must opt-in by filling out the appropriate section of the commencement registration form with their contact information. Neither Merrill College nor the University is responsible for the proofs or the ordering process; it is entirely between the graduate and Best Grad. The college only contracts with the vendor and provides the venue. Please go to http://bestgradphoto.com/ if you want more details.

Merrill College wishes to make this graduation ceremony accessible to all of our graduating seniors, their families, and guests. If you or your guest(s) require the services of an American Sign Language interpreter or other special accommodations, please indicate the type of accommodations they and their guest need when they register.

Coastal Santa Cruz weather is unpredictable, especially between mornings and afternoons. Layers are highly recommended. It can be cool and damp in the mornings and sunny and hot in the afternoon.