UC San Diego Sixth College Commencement Traditions: A Celebration of Achievement and New Beginnings

The commencement ceremony marks a pivotal moment in a student's academic journey, representing the culmination of years of dedication and diligent effort and the conferral of a degree. UC San Diego's Sixth College recognizes this significance and has fostered a unique set of traditions to honor its graduating students.

All Campus Commencement: A Unified Celebration

Each year, thousands of graduates gather to participate in the All Campus Commencement. This event brings together students from across UC San Diego's various colleges, fostering a sense of unity and shared accomplishment. The ceremony includes inspiring messages from distinguished speakers, including the Chancellor.

Messages of Inspiration and Action

Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla has consistently used the All Campus Commencement as a platform to inspire graduates and call them to action. In 2022, he urged the Class of 2022 to address pressing global issues such as war, gun violence, mental health, systemic racism, and climate change, emphasizing that "You are the solution."

Alumna Jessica Meir, a PhD graduate and keynote speaker in 2022, echoed Chancellor Khosla's sentiments, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and acknowledging the graduates' resilience during the pandemic. She noted, "I watched this class closely in the early days of the pandemic. I saw how you pivoted during an unimaginable situation; I saw you rise to meet every single challenge that presented itself. And here you are today, graduates of UC San Diego. You are the personification of persistence. You have set a new bar for excellence. And you are going to do amazing things in your lives.”

Messages of hope, perseverance, and giving back have also been central themes in past commencements. In 2018, Chancellor Khosla praised the graduating class for their commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equity, recognizing them as "more inventive, creative, and entrepreneurial than any other previous generation."

Adapting to Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, and UC San Diego adapted its commencement ceremonies to ensure the safety of the campus community. In 2020, a unique, interactive virtual ceremony was held, featuring student performances, speeches, and an address from CBS journalist Bill Whitaker. Despite the virtual format, the university maintained its tradition of the "tassel-turning" moment after the conferral of degrees.

Chancellor Khosla acknowledged the resilience and adaptability of the Class of 2020, stating, "They have proven not only that they can adapt, but also that they can thrive under extenuating circumstances. Their incredible resilience and innovative problem solving during the pandemic portend the positive changes they will make on our world in the years to come."

The virtual commencement did not replace the traditional in-person ceremonies, which were planned for a later date. Several schools and campus community centers also hosted virtual celebrations to honor their graduating students.

Sixth College Commencement: A Personalized Experience

In addition to the All Campus Commencement, Sixth College holds its own unique ceremony to celebrate its graduates. This event provides a more intimate and personalized experience for students and their families.

Alumni Speakers: Sharing Wisdom and Experience

Since 2012, Sixth College has established a tradition of inviting recent alumni to serve as commencement speakers. This allows graduates to hear from individuals who have recently navigated the transition from college to career and can offer relevant advice and insights based on their own experiences.

Read also: UCSD Summer Tuition Explained

Daniel J., Provost of Sixth College, emphasized the value of alumni speakers, stating that it "will mean so much to our students to hear from a recent Sixth College graduate, and I think you would have a great time yourself."

In 2017, Ronnie Das, a 2009 Sixth College graduate with a B.A. in Environmental Systems/Environmental Policy, had the honor of addressing the graduating class. Das shared his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of opportunities and using knowledge to create positive change in the community.

Das's speech preparation involved extensive research and reflection. He watched numerous commencement speeches from prominent figures, seeking inspiration and guidance. However, he realized that the most impactful message would come from his own experiences and insights.

He shared a story about a seemingly random opportunity he took - a summer class called Western Environmental History - which unexpectedly led to an internship with the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. This experience taught him the importance of being open to new possibilities and embracing unexpected paths.

Das encouraged graduates to focus on creating a path to make it easier for others to follow, emphasizing that "the goal of education should not be to construct ivory towers or use knowledge to exploit the less fortunate, but a chance to build on the success of our parents and grandparents in creating positive externalities for our communities."

Read also: Choosing a UCSD Diploma Frame

He also addressed the issue of political divisiveness, reminding graduates that despite their differences, they share a common responsibility to build a better society.

Honoring Traditions and Maintaining Decorum

Sixth College emphasizes the importance of maintaining decorum and respecting traditions during the commencement ceremony. Graduates are expected to act decorously and refrain from bringing alcohol or arriving under the influence.

Graduates must print their own tickets and bring them to the ceremony. Guests are discouraged from bringing balloons, signs, or other items that may obstruct the view of other attendees.

The Commencement booklet serves as a keepsake or memento but does not serve as proof of graduation or a document of record.

Celebrating Accomplishments and Looking Ahead

The Sixth College Commencement is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors and look forward to their future endeavors. The Graduate Reception provides a special opportunity to reflect on their time at UC San Diego and celebrate all that they have achieved.

Sixth College: A Unique Identity

Sixth College, established in September 2001, is the sixth undergraduate college at UC San Diego. While it has a numerical name, the naming process is currently postponed indefinitely.

Culture, Art, and Technology (CAT)

Sixth College is known for its unique Culture, Art, and Technology (CAT) core writing program. All Sixth College students are required to take on an upper division Practicum course, unique to all the colleges at UCSD. The program requires students to enroll in courses that demand a hands-on approach to education while making valuable contributions to communities both locally and abroad. Along with the Practicum, every student is required to complete Sixth College's upper-division writing course, CAT 125.

Student Life and Traditions

Sixth College fosters a vibrant student life with numerous traditions and events throughout the year. These include:

Sixth College Welcome Week: A week-long celebration to help new students adjust to college life.
HEART (Heritage Exploration: AAPI Roots and Traditions): A program celebrating Asian/Pacific Islander culture.
Winter GameFest: An annual video game and e-sports event.
Spirit Week: A week of spirited events, including chalk art competitions and live music.
Let It Flow: An event celebrating the African Black Diaspora Community.
Lunar New Year Celebration: An annual celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Kunchocshun: Sixth College's annual Spring festival, bridging the gap between the Chocolate Festival and a music festival.
Graduate Reception: An event celebrating graduating seniors.
Krispy Skreme: An event held the night before Finals Week begins.
CHAOS (Cultures Having An Outrageous Scene): An event featuring various activities and performances from around the world.
Sixth College Semi-Formal: An annual formal event with DJs, dancing, and desserts.
Spirit of the Masters: An event showcasing famous paintings and sculptures with an animated twist.
Halloween with RAs: A Halloween celebration with resident advisors.
Sixth College Toasty Advice: An event held every Fall and Winter quarter where RAs cook toasted food items.

The Sixth College Student Council (SCSC) plays a key role in organizing these events and fostering a sense of community.

Campus and Housing

Sixth College has moved twice since its establishment, and in 2020, it transitioned to the North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood (NTPLLN). On-campus housing is available for two years, and Sixth College also hosts several Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), including the Multicultural Living-Learning Community, the African Black Diaspora LLC, Gender Inclusive Housing, and the OASIS LLC.

Sixth College also provides resources for commuter students, including a Commuter Center with lockers, WiFi, and kitchen facilities, and a commuter student organization known as Commuters in Action (CIA).

Experiential Learning Conference

Beginning in 2012, Sixth College has hosted the biannual Experiential Learning Conference, which is free and open to the public. The conference focuses on experiential learning and its role in social reform.

tags: #ucsd #sixth #college #commencement #traditions