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Grad Bash FAQs

Event Bag Check Policy

Per the University's Clear Bag Policy, each ticketed guest may bring in one clear bag, 12" by 6" by 12" (consistent with best practice for most stadium and arena venues), OR one plastic gallon storage bag AND one small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”). Exceptions: medical or diaper bags.

As an additional safety measure, the University will be deploying enhanced security screening equipment for Commencement called OPENGATE®. "OPENGATE® is the first and only fully open, active walk-through detection system, composed of two free standing pillars". Please allow for additional time for screening. Guests with prohibited items will be required to return them to their vehicles. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of this special day.

A strict Clear Bag Policy with OPENGATE® technology will afford all graduates and guests a safe and secure environment to celebrate their accomplishments.

PROHIBITED BAGS 

Backpacks
Oversized tote bags
Luggage
Duffel bags

PROHIBITED ITEMS 

Umbrellas
Laser pointers
Alcohol and/or illegal drugs
Animals (service exception)
Balls, frisbees, whole fruit, or anything that could be a projectile
Bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
Fireworks, lighters, incendiary devices of any kind
Guns, knives or weapons of any kind
Remote-controlled devices of any kind (drones, cars, model planes/ helicopters)
Tobacco smoking products, including vapes

PLUS ANY OTHER ITEM THAT IS DEEMED HAZARDOUS BY
CAMPUS SAFETY OR EVENT STAFF.

Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Bellomy Field 

 

  • Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 14.
  • Wednesday, May 28 is the last day for refunds & seating requests.
  • After May 28 tickets are not guaranteed, but may be purchased as long as the event is not sold out. (Parties may not all be seated together).  

Graduate tickets are free thanks to the generosity of Vice President for University Relations, Jim Lyons, and the University Relations department. 

Tickets are $55 per person. Children 12 and under are free.

Be sure to include your graduate in your ticket count as they still need a ticket for entry. Please note there is a limit of 50 guests per registrant.

We want this event to be accessible to everyone who would like to attend. If you need financial assistance, please let us know by filling out this form before you purchase tickets. 

 

Grad Bash is intended for undergraduate students and their families. Graduate programs will be hosting separate receptions to honor their graduates. Please check in with your specific graduate program for more details.

Before Friday, June 13, please email any questions or requests to gradbash@scu.edu. On the day of the event, please visit the Information Booth in the Cowell Parking Lot. It will open at 4:30 p.m.  

The last day for refunds is Wednesday, May 28.

Yes. When purchasing your tickets, you’ll be able to select a table section and indicate which other graduating seniors you would like to sit near. Specific tables will be assigned closer to the event. Table assignments will be sent out the week of June 2. NOTE: The deadline for seating requests is May 28. There may be seats available after that date, but we cannot accommodate specific requests. 

 

There are 10 seats at each table. 

*Some tables may have 11 after assigned seating is complete.

 

What is being served at Grad Bash?

There will be wine, beer, cider, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages available.

Build Your Own Burrito Bowl

  • Spanish Rice
  • Cumin Scented Black Beans
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Jalapeños
  • Corn/Onion/Cilantro Salad
  • Cheese
  • Salsa Roja
  • Tortilla Strips
  • Birria
  • Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • Tofu Chile Verde (vegan)

Ice cream carts for dessert.

If you are driving to the event, please park in the lot at Guadalupe Hall (455 El Camino Real) and cross at the light at El Camino and Campbell Avenue/Accolti Way.  We are expecting large crowds for Commencement and Grad Bash, so please consider using a rideshare.

The weather should be warm, but temperatures could cool down later in the evening so consider a jacket or sweater. Recommended attire is summer casual. Please wear flats or wedges for your comfort and to protect our turf field.  

Exclusive Grad Bash merchandise will be available for purchase during the registration process. If you'd like to purchase merchandise after your initial ticker purchase, you can do so by modifying your registration to add the items. Please note: All orders for merchandise must be made by May 15.

Merchandise purchased during your Grad Bash registration will be available for pickup at the Bannan Alumni House June 5-6 and June 9-12 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition to those who purchased merchandise, ALL graduates can pick up their complimentary alumni license plate.

All attendees, including graduates, must present a valid ticket. Each ticket has its own unique QR code, and may only be scanned once.

Tickets will be sent the week of June 2. Please have your ticket(s) ready to scan once you reach the gate. It is recommended to either download or print your ticket(s) before arriving at the event, as connectivity speeds may be slow due to the large crowds expected on campus for the commencement weekend.

A government-issued photo ID with a birth date is required for any guest who wishes to consume alcohol. Guests 21 and over will be wristbanded.

No outside beverages, glass bottles, or ice chests will be allowed into the event.

No pets are allowed on the field, except service animals with proper credentials.

Santa Clara University is a "No Smoking" campus. Smoking is allowed off campus grounds. All bags will be subject to search.

The Grad Bash will be held in accordance with state and county COVID-19 protocols at the time of the event.