We will follow the Paramount Theatre COVID guidelines. Please visit the Paramount Theatre website for current information regarding COVID guidelines.
Do guests need tickets for the ceremony? If so, how many tickets will each graduate receive?
Yes, the Fall and Spring ceremonies will require to have tickets for entry due to the number of graduates. You will not be admitted into the theatre without a ticket.
Are masks required? Do you have to be vaccinated?
Yes, mask are required to be worn for the duration of the event. Yes, all guest are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We will follow the Paramount Theatres guidelines. Visit the Paramount Theatre website for additional information, https://www.paramountoakland.org/.
What is acceptable proof of vaccination?
Acceptable proof of vaccination is the original vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record with an appropriate ID matching the name on the vaccination document.
Are Digital Proof of Vaccinations acceptable?
Yes, Clear App (create an account for free). California residents can request a digital vaccination record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ (a government-issued photo ID will be required at the venue).
What about unvaccinated guests under the age of 12?
Unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test (PCR or antigen test) within three days of the event start time before entering the venue.
What is an acceptable negative test?
An acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy). The documentation must include:
- Type of test (PCR or antigen test only)
- The entity issuing the result (e.g. laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service)
- Specimen collection date. A negative test result must show the specimen was collected within the three days of the event start time.
- Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number).
- Test Result
Are over-the-counter test acceptable?
No, over-the-counter tests will not be accepted as proof of negative results of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Disclaimer:
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people gather. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. You assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting a communicable disease of illness, whether that exposure occurs before, during, or after the event, and regardless of how caused or contracted.
Which commencement ceremony will my graduate be participating in?
A 9:30 AM ceremony will be held for Master Physician Assistant, Master of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
A 1:30 PM ceremony will be held for Doctor of Nursing Practice, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, RN to BSN, and ABSN programs), and Master of Science in Nursing programs.
Students that graduate from any program between July 1 and December 31, will attend the fall commencement held in December. If you graduate between January 1 and June 30, you will attend the spring commencement held in May.
Are there special arrangements at The Paramount Theatre for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations?
Please ask the graduate to contact Veronica Paniagua in the Office of Academic Affairs (vpaniagua@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200 ext. 7373) at least two weeks prior to Commencement to make arrangements for special seating in the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) section of the venue for guests with disabilities/mobility limitations. Please note that seating in the ADA section of the theatre is limited and your entire party may not be able to sit there. The guest needing the ADA access will be permitted to have one other member of their party sit with them in the ADA section.
Where do I find directions to and/or parking information for The Paramount Theatre?
Please click here for directions and parking information on The Paramount Theatre's website.
How long will the ceremony last?
The College of Health Sciences, School of Podiatric Medicine, and the College of Nursing ceremony will last two and a half hours to three hours. All graduates must remain in their seats until the end of the ceremony. You must not leave the theatre early, as it is disruptive and disrespectful to the other graduates and guests.
Does The Paramount allow guests to bring balloons for the graduates?
No, The Paramount does not allow balloons inside the theatre.
Can you provide me with a list of hotels are in the area?
Please click here to view a list of accommodations in Oakland on the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau website. There are also several hotels in the nearby city of Emeryville including a Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, HYATT house , and the Hilton Garden Inn.
If you are interested in staying in the city of Berkeley, please click here to view a list of accommodations on the Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Will there be any kind of reception for graduates and their guests following Commencement?
Due to space and time limitations, the University does not sponsor a reception at the Theatre following Commencement. However, individual academic programs often organize their own reception or party at other venues to celebrate graduation. Please ask your graduate if their program is planning to host a reception.
Will there be a professional photographer at Commencement?
Yes. During the ceremony, graduates will be photographed in their regalia while being hooded no shaking hands with the President. The photographer will also take informal pictures of the graduates outside the Theatre before and after the ceremony. Prior to Commencement the photographer will contact the graduates directly with information on how to view proofs and order pictures.
Where can I meet up with my graduate before or after the ceremony to take pictures, etc.?
We request that family and friends wait until after the ceremony is over to meet up with their graduate to take pictures, give them flowers, etc. since prior to the ceremony students will be busy donning their regalia, listening to important instructions about the academic procession, and lining up. After the ceremony graduates will exit the Theatre on 21st Street where you can meet up with them. Please do not give your graduate any items such as flowers or balloons prior to the ceremony as they will not be allowed to carry them in to the theatre. (Flower leis are OK.)
