Guest Information, Seating, and Ticketing

Parking and Shuttles

There is complimentary parking on campus.

• Locations: Parking is available on all campus streets and at the Drescher Graduate Campus (accessible via Pacifica Way).
• Shuttle Service: Shuttles will run continuously. You can board at any marked campus shuttle stop.
• Travel Advisory: On Commencement Day, the traffic in and around Malibu, particularly through Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road, is extremely heavy. Carpooling is recommended.

Questions? For more information, contact the Department of Public Safety at the information booths or call 310.506.4700.

Accessible Parking (Placard Required) 

• Designated Area: A limited number of accessible spots are reserved in Lot P (near Firestone Fieldhouse).
• Requirements: These spots are strictly for guests with state-issued accessible parking placards or license plates.
• On-Site Assistance: Upon arrival at Lot P, a Public Safety officer will assist you.
• Shuttle Service: Dedicated golf carts will provide transportation between Lot P and Alumni Park.
• Drop-Off Option:  As an alternative, guests with mobility needs may be dropped off directly at Alumni Park before the driver proceeds to park elsewhere. Graduation hosts will be stationed at the entrance to the arena to assist guests with seating.

Commencement Tickets

Tickets for all Pepperdine commencement ceremonies are free of charge. To ensure a smooth entry to our Malibu campus, please note the following:

• Tickets: Each graduate will receive 8 tickets via email to share with their family and friends. Please check with your graduate to receive your required tickets. 
• Entry Requirement: Every guest (ages 5 and older) must display an individual ticket to attend the ceremony. 
• Waitlist: If additional seating is needed, graduates may join a waitlist. Please note that extra tickets are not guaranteed; however, if any become available, they will be sent directly to the graduate for distribution. 

Guest Seating

Graduation hosts will greet you at the entrance to help you find these areas.

• Seating & Viewing: General seating is first-come, first-served. Large screens will display each graduate's name and program as they cross the stage. We kindly ask that guests remain seated throughout the ceremony to ensure all families can see and celebrate their graduates. 
• Accessible Seating: A designated area for guests in wheelchairs or scooters is located near the front of the venue.
• Companions: Due to space, only one companion may sit with each guest in the accessible seating area.
• Sun-Sensitive Tents: Tents for sun-sensitive guests are located at the rear on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tip: Most seating is not covered. We highly recommend hats and sunscreen.

Commencement Programs

To ensure every graduate has a keepsake of today’s ceremony, a printed program will be provided to each graduate at their seat.

For our guests, digital programs are available for your convenience. Please scan the QR codes located on the signage throughout the venue to access the full digital copy on your mobile device.

Inclement Weather Plan 

Please check the Malibu forecast leading up to the event. If inclement weather occurs, the ceremony will move from Alumni Park to Firestone Fieldhouse.

• Limited Indoor Seating: Due to limited capacity, guest ticket allotments will be reduced. 
• Ticket Adjustments: In the event of a move, graduates will be notified immediately of the new ticket limit.
• Livestream Access: Guests without indoor tickets are strongly encouraged to view the high-quality livestream from the comfort of their home or hotel.

Pets

Animals at Pepperdine are subject to the requirements of the Animals on Campus policy found in Section 37 of the University Policy Manual.   Consistent with University policies, pets are not allowed at commencement services. Guide, service, and/or signal dogs may accompany the person in need.  To register your service animal ahead of the commencement ceremony, please complete this required Google Form. 

Security & Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety of all guests, the following items are not permitted at Alumni Park or any commencement activities. Please note that policies are subject to change.

• Weapons: No firearms, knives, explosives, or other weapons.
• Bags: No large bags, backpacks, or large purses.
• Signage: No large signs, flags, poles, banners, or laser pointers.
• Noise: No artificial noisemakers, air horns, or megaphones.
• Decorations: No balloons.
• Pets: Consistent with University policy, pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Service animals (guide, service, or signal dogs) are permitted.

Note: Commencement staff and Public Safety reserve the authority to prohibit any item deemed a security risk.