The Cultural Culminations and Celebrations, managed by the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs, are momentous occasions that recognize each of our graduating students' unique cultures and their significance in their journey through higher education. These are congratulatory celebrations of the students' achievement and the step forward it represents for them, their parents, their culture, and their lives. We are extremely proud to be able to host our new graduates who foster a sense of pride in their respective identities. These observances are not mandatory, but are open to all interested scholars. Each will occur sometime before the Official UC Merced Commencement.
UCM CCs Registration opens: February 2nd, 2026
Native & Indigenous Celebration:
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
Lavender Culmination:
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
Asian & Pacific Islander Celebration:
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
Monarch Celebration:
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
Afropolitan Culmination (Formerly Black Grad):
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
Latinx Celebration:
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Location: UCM Recreation Field, University Plaza
Registration form releasing soon, check back for more information!
*For questions about registration opening/closing dates and any changes to your submission, please email socialjustice@ucmerced.edu*
**IMPORTANT REMINDER: Registration for a Cultural Celebration IS separate from registration for UC Merced's Commencement Ceremony. For UCM Commencement-specific information, please visit commencement.ucmerced.edu.**
Click on the graduation celebration you would like to sign up for, and you will be taken to the respective CGC registration.
