Commencement

Unfortunately, per CDC guidelines, Grad Fest is canceled and Commencement will not take place on May 7^th as planned. Discussions for commencement and related events are ongoing. A survey was distributed to graduating students that will help inform these decisions.

2019 Commencement Recap

Commencement 2020 Guidebook

Commencement 2020

Traditional Undergraduate College Commencement Ceremony

thursday, May 7, 2020
10:00 AM - 12:00PMDOORS OPEN AT 9:00 AMMARINERS CHURCH
5001 NEWPORT COAST DRIVE, IRVINE, CA 92603

Commencement Speaker:
REv. DR. Dick foth

TUG Student Speaker:
emily howard

Direction from Google Maps

This is a ticketed event.*

All undergraduate students that have been cleared to graduate will recieive (7) tickets.

Tickets go online after Spring Break.

All attendees over the age of 2 are required to have a ticket.
Commencement Ceremony will also be live streamed as additional viewing option.

Please do not contact commencement office to request more tickets.

Professional Studies & Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony

Guest Services

Etiquette & Reminders

Guest Etiquette

Given the solemn yet celebratory nature of commencement and in consideration of other, guests and participants are asked to follow some basic rules of etiquette for such occasions.

Please follow instructions provided online for parking and arrival.
Plan to be at the ceremony at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
The start of the Processional will be marked with the entrance of the American, California, and Christian flag. Men should remove their hats and guests who are able to stand should do so at that time.
Please remain in your seats for the duration of the ceremony. Do not block the aisles or passageways by attempting to greet or take photos with graduates.

Flowers and Leis

Flowers and leis will be sold on-site the day of Commencement with all proceeds going to support student participation on outreach and study abroad trips. Orchid leis, full- and half-dozen rose bunches, and graduation bears will be available for purchase. Eligible candidates are allowed to wear their leis during the ceremony. Cash, check and credit/debit are accepted.

Grad Images

Grad Images will be taking professional photographs. One will be taken of each eligible candidate as they walk the stage to shake the officiant’s hand and receive their diploma. Each graduate will have the option to order these photos after the Commencement ceremony.

Graduate Reception Areas

Nearby Hotels

Vanguard University is proud to partner with the following hotels. Request the Vanguard University hotel rate when making your reservation.

Ayres Hotel & Suites

Distance from VU: 1.6 miles
325 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.549.0300
Hotel website // Map and driving directions // Vanguard University Reservations

Guest Services: Complimentary wi-fi, parking, and shuttle service within a 3-mile radius.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Distance from VU: 2.1 miles
3131 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.557.3000
Hotel website // Map and driving directions

Disability Accomodations

There will be a 300-seat accessible seating section at Mariners Church for guests with a disability and their family members. The main entrance to the ceremony is accessible, as well as the entrance to the auditorium. Please look for accessible seating signs or ask an usher to direct you upon entry. Guests requiring specific services such as sign language interpreter or assistive hearing devices, must e-mail disabilityservices@vanguard.edu or call 714.619.6551 to ensure all accommodations needs are met. All arrangements must be made no later than April 15.

Driving Directions

BACCELAUREATE

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
600 Saint Andrews Road | Newport Beach, CA 92663

Directions from Google Maps

Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the Baccalaureate service. Parking is available in the church parking lots, on the street, or in the Newport Harbor lots across from the church.

The main entrance to the Sanctuary will be closed at 7:15PM to prepare for the Processional. Guests will still be able to access the Sanctuary through the side entrances on Saint Andrews Road and across from the Chapel.

COMMENCEMENT

Mariners Church
5001 Newport Coast Drive | Irvine, CA 92603

Directions from Google Maps

Please arrive 1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony to avoid traffic congestion when exiting the 73 Freeway. To avoid the toll road, please exit at MACARTHUR BLVD and turn LEFT on to BONITA CANYON DRIVE.
Enter the Mariners Church campus from NEWPORT COAST and BONITA CANYON DRIVE entrance/exits.
For guests using Disabled Person Parking, please enter from NEWPORT COAST. If you do not have Disabled Person Parking license plates, have your disability placard visible when entering the property so that our parking lot attendants can quickly identify your need and direct you to the designated parking area.

Spanish Translation Services

Commencement Affinity Events

VU Cultural Celebrations

Asian & pacific islander Graduation celebration

Friday, April 24, 2020 at 7pm

Needham Chapel

A reception with refreshments and entertainment to follow. Semi-formal attire requested.

Hispanic graduation Celebration

Saturday, April 25 2020 at 10am

Paul and Barbara Heath Forum in Waugh Student Center

A reception with refreshments and entertainment to follow. Semi-formal attire requested.

Black Graduation Celebration

Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 2pm

Needham Chapel

A reception with refreshments and entertainment to follow. Semi-formal attire requested.

Rsvp here for Cultural Graduation celebrations

Questions: 714-662-5258 | diversity@vanguard.edu

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Professional Studies Graduation Celebration

DATE TBD

Scott Veteran’s Courtyard

Attendees: All 2018 – 2019 SPS seniors approved for graduation

Dress Attire: Business Casual

About the Celebration: This event will be a fun, informal time for PS graduates and their cohorts to connect before Commencement. PS Faculty and Staff will be in attendance. Refreshments will be served in the Needham Chapel courtyard following the program. Each senior is allowed to RSVP for up to 5 guests.

RSVP and Questions: (714) 668–6315 | temma.knight @vanguard.edu

Commencement

Unfortunately, per CDC guidelines, Grad Fest is canceled and Commencement will not take place on May 7th as planned. Discussions for commencement and related events are ongoing. A survey was distributed to graduating students that will help inform these decisions.

COVID-19 Updates

Unfortunately, per CDC guidelines, Grad Fest is canceled and Commencement will not take place on May 7^th as planned. Discussions for commencement and related events are ongoing. A survey was distributed to graduating students that will help inform these decisions.