Commencement FAQ's
Q: What should I wear?
A: Nice casual clothing is appropriate wear for both events. The Baccalaureate service will be held in the gymnasium and many guests will be seated in our bleachers.
Commencement will be held on the grass with lots of elevations on campus to get to the field, so consider wearing comfortable walking shoes (no high heels). Our weather is changeable in the spring and you might consider layering your clothing to easily adjust to the chill or heat of the day. May mornings in Santa Barbara can be chilly and foggy and mid-morning and afternoons can be quite warm. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also suggested. Please check Santa Barbara’s weather forecast the day before to ensure your comfort.
Q: What should I do if I have more than four people coming to Baccalaureate and I need more tickets?
A: We are sorry that we are unable to accommodate all who would like to attend. Please check with other graduates who may not need all of their tickets and would be willing to give their's away.
Q: Can I park in Montecito and walk to Westmont’s campus for Commencement?
A: Please do not park in Montecito. Westmont works hard to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors; please help us protect that relationship by not parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
Q: Can I park on campus for Commencement if I have a Westmont parking sticker, a state issued disabled permit or if I don’t have a Westmont issued Commencement Parking Permit?
A: Only vehicles with valid Commencement Parking Permits displayed on their driver’s side dashboard will be admitted on campus after 7 a.m. on May 4. If you don’t have a parking permit you’ll need to take the free shuttle service to and from Santa Barbara City College.
Q: Would coming to Baccalaureate or Commencement be difficult for a senior citizen or my friend with special needs?
A: It depends on how hale and hearty your senior/special needs friend is. Commencement in particular is a long morning. We want this to be as pleasant an experience as possible, however, our parking is limited and the campus is hilly. Even getting a Special Needs Parking Permit does not insure that a car will be parked where a senior/special needs person would consider close to the field. As the senior/special needs individual considers coming, they should know that they may need to walk a distance on our hills, the main seating area is in the sun and it can be hot. While the restrooms are wheelchair accessible there may be lines at the restrooms and for the shuttles.
Q: I’m wondering if I can bring...?
A: Please no R.V.s, no dogs, and no coolers. Out of consideration for others we ask that balloons, umbrellas and strollers be placed where they do not block others' view or the walkways.
Q: What if the forecast is for rain or if there has been so much rain before the weekend that the field can not be used for Commencement?
A: In this event, Commencement will be held in Murchison gym, and we regret that in this scenario we will have very limited seating. Tickets will be required and each graduate will receive four tickets for Baccalaureate, as planned, and 4 tickets for Commencement. If this becomes necessary we will post information on the Commencement Weekend website.
Q: What if I am unable to attend Baccalaureate/Commencement but would like to watch it?
A: You can either buy the DVD or go on line to watch the live simulcast via computer. There will be a link on the Westmont Home Page to access this.
Q: Where should I meet my graduate after Commencement?
A: Plan to meet your graduate at their designated President’s Reception area. This will allow you to find all those in your party and also clear the Commencement field and main road as quickly as possible.
Q: Our family is planning a celebration after Commencement. What would be the earliest we should plan for the party to begin?
A: We suggest that you plan any post graduation celebrations for no earlier than 3 p.m.