Commencement Image

Commencement Directions and Parking

We welcome the families and friends of UC Santa Barbara's Class of 2026.  Campus traffic patterns and parking lot availability are dynamic during Commencement weekend – follow posted signs and directions from event staff when parking. A valid UCSB permit is required to park on campus.

Directions

PLEASE NOTE: When driving to campus, traffic may be impacted by Highway 217 construction. Please consider using alternate routes and allow extra time.

For planning purposes please allow 60 minutes to enter and exit campus.

Parking

  • A valid UCSB parking ePermit is mandatory to park on campus, you may not park without a valid parking ePermit.
  • Graduates should have received a parking code in their Commencement confirmation email to register their guest's vehicle.
  • Pre-registration does not guarantee an on-campus parking spot. Parking permits are electronic and require the license plate number for registration. Parking will be limited and very impacted, please make arrangements to carpool.  We ask you to follow the signs and park in designated areas as directed by the event staff.
  • If you are not able to pre-register a vehicle, permits may be purchased the day of using the Pay Stations located in the lots, via the ParkMobile App or using the Offstreet Link.
  • Shuttles are available to transport guests to the Commencement site from Commencement parking areas.  Early arrival is advised.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Parking is not immediately adjacent to the Commencement gates and is at least a 1/4 to 3/4 mile walk may be required if space on the shuttles is not available.
  • Commencement guests displaying an officially issued disabled placard or license plate should follow the blue signs to accessible parking.

View the UCSB Interactive Campus Map to see parking locations, shuttle stops, walking routes and more.

For important updates, please visit the Transportation & Parking Services website and tune into AM 1610 within two miles of campus for traffic information.

Questions about Commencement?

Visit our FAQ page to find answers to frequently asked questions or contact us by email at commencement@ia.ucsb.edu.

For more information about Commencement, visit www.ucsb.edu/commencement.  

View the 2026 Commencement Schedule.