The campus is host to commencement ceremonies throughout the year, with the Greek Theater and Zellerbach Hall being two of the most commonly used venues.
For a comprehensive overview of the 2009 schedule, visit UC Berkeley's Commencement Web site at seniors.berkeley.edu and seniors.berkeley.edu/commencement.
Visitor Parking
In general, during commencement ceremonies, visitors may park in lots that are typically designated for student parking (S permits) for a fee of $8. A $8 dispensing machine ticket (DMT) may be purchased from the dispensing machine in the lot, and must be displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard. This $8 DMT is valid ONLY in S permit areas. Please observe and obey parking signs and regulations.
Each campus lot will display the most up-to-date information on the sign at the entrance. However, for advance planning purposes, you can print this map ahead of time to locate S Permit parking lots on campus:
Campus Parking Map – if viewing online, use Acrobat’s “zoom” feature to enlarge specific areas of the map.
Instructions for DMT Purchase
Machines accept $1 and $5 bills only. Please be sure to bring smaller bills.
- Press Yellow button
- Lift bill flap and insert bills
- Press green receipt button
- Take receipt (DMT) and place it face up on the dashboard of your vehicle
Parking for Events at the Greek Theater
Weekday – Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parking and Transportation will SELL parking spaces near the Greek Theater. Fee is $10 during daytime commencement events at these lots:
- Foothill Lot
(Hearst Ave., east of Highland Ave.) - Lower Hearst Structure, Level 2
(Hearst and Scenic Ave.)
Evenings – after 5:00 p.m. and Weekends
Parking and Transportation will SELL parking spaces near Zellerbach Hall. Fee is $10 during evening and weekend commencement events at these lots:
- Foothill Lot
(Hearst Ave., east of Highland Ave.) - Upper Hearst Structure
(Hearst Ave. and Gayley Rd.)
Parking for Events at Zellerbach Hall
Weekday – Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parking and Transportation offers parking (in non-reserved spaces only) during daytime commencement events at these lots:
- MLK Student Union Garage - Fee is $15
(Bancroft Way, between Telegraph Ave and Dana St.)
Evenings – after 5:00 p.m. and Weekends
Parking and Transportation will SELL parking spaces Near Zellerbach Hall, at these lots. Fee is $10 during evening and weekend commencement events in these lots:
- Dana/Durant Lot
(on Dana St. between Bancroft Way and Durant Ave.) - RSF Garage
(Bancroft Way at Ellsworth St.)
MLK Student Union Garage - Fee is $15
(Bancroft Way between Telegraph Ave. and Dana St.)
For both weekday and evening/weekend events, public parking is also available at this City of Berkeley garage (with fee based on length of stay):
- Telegraph/Channing Garage
[formerly Sather Gate Garage]
(west of Telegraph between Channing Way and Durant Ave.)
Disabled Parking
All disabled and non-reserved spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to disabled patrons with certified handicapped placards or license plates for a fee of $10.
Reserved Parking (for Campus Departments ONLY)
University departments may reserve spaces for special guests in the Bowles Lot (for Greek Theater commencements) or MLK Student Union Garage (for Zellerbach Hall commencements). The cost is $18 per space and charges will be billed to the department. A department 18-digit chartstring is required for space reservations. Reservation should be made no later than April 24, 2009.
For more information about parking for Special Events, please refer to our Special Events Parking section. The Special Event Parking Arrangements Form may be used to make your reservation. Please fax this form to (510) 643-8892, and allow up to 5 working days to process your request.
Using the Shuttle Service
For Greek Theater Commencements, you can avoid parking stress by using the BearTransit shuttle service.
Catch an eastbound shuttle near the Downtown Berkeley BART station [buses stop at Addison and Shattuck Sq. next to Bank of America]; or at the intersection of Hearst and Euclid streets.
BearTransit shuttles will be accessible at no cost to graduating seniors (who are attired in cap and gown, or can identify themselves) and their families.
Shuttle lines circuit the campus at approximately 12-minute intervals. View the BearTransit page and shuttle schedules for actual times, and the BearTransit system map for route information.
Additional Parking Information
For further information on commencement parking, please call (510) 642-5401, or email Event Services.
For general information about visitor parking on campus, including a list of public parking lots, visit the Public Parking page.