The Cultural Celebrations managed by the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs are momentous occasions that recognize each of our graduating students' unique culture and its significance in their journey through higher education. These are congratulatory celebrations of the students' achievement and the step forward it means 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 1st, 2025
UCM CCs Priority Registration closes: April 15th, 2025
Date: 05/02/2025
Time: 6 PM- 9 PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
To sign up for this Cultural Celebration, click HERE.
Asian & Pacific Islander Celebration:
Date: 05/04/2025
Time: 4 PM- 7 PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
To sign up for this Cultural Celebration, click HERE.
Afropolitan Culmination (Formerly Black Grad):
Date: 05/10/2025
Time: 3 PM- 6 PM
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom
To sign up for this Cultural Celebration, click HERE.
Native & Indigenous Celebration:
Date: 05/10/25
Time: 6-9 PM
Location: UCM Conference Center Room 110
To sign up for this Cultural Celebration, click HERE.
Date: 05/18/2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: UCM Recreation Field
To sign up for the Latinx Celebration, click HERE.
*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.
