We are honored to announce an exciting new format for the 2025 commencement ceremonies—marking a fresh chapter in how we celebrate your incredible accomplishments! Graduates will enjoy an intimate hooding ceremony with their college and then come together as one University in a degree conferral ceremony. Together, these two events will provide a full, unforgettable experience to honor your journey, your achievements, and your bright future ahead!
Ceremony Schedule & Details
College Hooding Ceremony
A meaningful and intimate event where your academic hood is placed on your shoulders by two loved ones of your choice – a WesternU tradition. The hooding ceremony symbolizes your achievement and welcomes you into your field.
College of Optometry
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Sheraton Fairplex, Vineyard Ballroom
601 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Ceremony Countdown
2025/05/14 09:00:00
University Commencement Ceremony
The grand moment where your hard work officially pays off! Join your fellow graduates as degrees are conferred in a celebratory, University-wide, interprofessional gathering. In WesternU tradition, diplomas will be distributed after the ceremony for those who have met degree requirements.
All Pomona Graduates
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Graduate Arrival: 11:30 a.m.
Doors open for guest seating at 12:00 p.m.
Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, California
Graduate and Guest Information
We Kindly Request That All Graduates:
- Watch for an e-mail in December to order your Regalia (cap & gown).
- Place your order by December 20, 2024.
- Expect to receive your Regalia 6-8 weeks after placing the order.
- Once it arrives, we recommend hanging it to reduce wrinkles per the instructions provided in the packaging.
- Complete the Graduate Participation form when requested (watch for an e-mail) and submit a photo in full Regalia.
- Attend your college specific Commencement presentation (watch for an invite).
- Bring your Regalia (gown, tam/cap, hood & tassel) to both ceremonies. Unfortunately, we do not have extra items.
Tickets Are Required
College Hooding Ceremony
Tickets are required at the College Hooding Ceremony
- Each graduate will receive eight tickets: one for the graduate plus seven guest tickets.
- Tickets are required for all individuals entering the ceremony
- Guests aged two and older require a ticket.
- Seating is open and unassigned.
- Tickets for the College Hooding Ceremony will be mailed to each graduate along with their complementary invitations.
- Tickets are free of charge and may not be purchased, sold or duplicated.
- More information on family hooding will be made available closer to the College Hooding Ceremony.
University Commencement Ceremony
Tickets are required at the University Commencement Ceremonies
- Each graduate can receive up to seven guest tickets; watch for an e-mail with additional information on requesting tickets.
- Tickets are required for all individuals entering the ceremony, except graduates.
- Graduates do not need a ticket and will report to a designated location once onsite.
- Guests aged two and older require an admission ticket.
- Seating is open and unassigned.
- Tickets are digital and graduates will receive a communication to access their tickets.
- Tickets are free of charge and may not be purchased or sold.
Request Accommodations
If you or your guest require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact CDHP by April 25, 2025, by phone at 909-469-5441 or by email at: disabilityaccomodations@westernu.edu.
Important Details
FOR SAFETY REASONS, PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS:
Items Prohibited in the Ceremonies:
- Balloons
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Artificial noise makers (air-horns, megaphones, etc.)
- Fireworks or explosives
- Weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, etc.)
- Drones
- Strollers
- Smoking, including electric or vapor products, is prohibited in or around WesternU venues
- Signs, posters, fliers or banners
- Bright camera lights or tripods
- Pets (except service animals)
- Graduates, please leave all “carry-along” items (purses, cell phones, electronic devices, books, flowers, etc.) with family members or securely in your car.
- Graduates should not carry anything during the processional and will not be permitted to take personal belongings on stage.
- WesternU recognizes the significance of including mementos, artifacts, or heirlooms to signify one’s cultural heritage(s) and expression as a part of one’s attire during formal commencement ceremonies. In order to preserve the sanctity of such items while simultaneously ensuring safety when receiving stage diplomas and participating in the hooding process, all graduates are respectfully requested to keep their hands and arms free while walking to the stage, with the exception of their hood draped over one arm.
- The Honda center has very strict guidelines and safety requirements, for complete details please visit the Honda Center website.
FLOWER LEIS
- Leis may be available for sale prior to the ceremony and graduates are permitted to wear one during the ceremony. Graduates will need to leave it in their seat while on stage for the hooding ceremony. Leis, or any other personal items, cannot be delivered or dropped off to the graduates and it is recommended that leis are gifted after the ceremony.
DIPLOMAS
- If you have completed all degree requirements, your diploma will be available for pick-up in the graduate area at the Honda Center following the University Commencement Ceremony.
Purchase Gifts & Flowers
Celebrate your graduate in style! Pre-order beautiful flowers and leis for easy on-site pickup before the ceremony and surprise them with a thoughtful touch. Looking for a unique, personal gift? Our WesternU Campus Store has everything you need to make your grad feel extra special. Explore our ‘Available For Purchase’ section for perfect gift ideas that will make their big day unforgettable!