Graduation 2009:

Please check back for more information.  The Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 15, 2009.

Graduation 2008

 Welcome to CalArts Graduation 2008.

CalArts Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 6:00 pm in the Music Courtyard on campus. Seating is limited and we ask graduates to invite no more than three guests.

The ceremony will last approximately 3 hours and the reception located in the Main Gallery and the Cafe Dining Room will open immediately after the ceremony.  The area in front of and behind the stage is off limits to the audience.  CalArts has engaged a professional photographer to take photos of all graduates as they exit the stage.  These photos will be available for review and purchase until June 1, at the website, www.ScottGroller.com/CalArts.  We ask that you remain in your seats throughout the graduation, as a courtesy to our live performers, honoraries and graduates.  The ceremony does not end until all degrees are confirmed by President Lavine.

Our graduation is held outside in a grassy courtyard, so plan to dress accordingly. The month of May in Valencia can be mildly warm to hot during the day. We recommend hats and sunblock.  As a courtesy to those around you, please do not smoke when seated in the Graduation Courtyard.  The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the courtyard area.

 Restrooms are located on the second floor inside the main building.  Go through the glass doors where the procession begins and turn left.  There is one set of restrooms on the right side of the hallway and another set on the left side, further down the hall.  There are additional restrooms on the first and third floors, but please use the second floor doors to enter and exit the building.  If you heed assistance during the ceremony, please contact an usher in a salmon pink colored t-shirt with Event Staff on the back.  We hope that you enjoy this year's graduation ceremony which showcases the talent of our student performers, pays tribute to world-renowned artisits and honors our graduates.

For families that need handicapped seating, please contact Karen Smestad in Student Affairs, 661-253-7874 to reserve a seat. Each guest can have two family members accompany him/her since space is limited.

For families coming from out of town:
The Los Angeles International Airport is approximately 35 miles from CalArts and Burbank Airport is approximately 22 miles away. Travel time varies depending on the traffic. Rental cars are available at both locations, and there are several shuttle services, including Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle.

See the links below for a list of local restaurants and hotel accommodations:

Local restaurants
Accommodations