Commencement – Class of 2021
Congratulations to the UCLA Samueli Class of 2021! As we continue to follow the Los Angeles County Public Health guidelines closely, we will update this page with information on the format of our commencement as soon as possible. In the meantime, please familiarize yourself with degree requirements, ordering of caps and gowns and other pertinent instructions on this page. We are proud of your academic achievements and look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones. Go Bruin Engineers!
Awards and Honors
Every year UCLA faculty and staff are invited to nominate engineering students for awards and honors recognized in the annual UCLA Samueli Commencement program brochure and school-wide notices. Many of the awards are specific to graduating students.
The award deadline for all 2020-2021 nominations will be Monday, May 3, 2021
Questions regarding Commencement awards for engineering may be forwarded to
AWARDS BY NOMINATION
All letters of nomination should include:
- Name of student being nominated
- Name of Award for which student is being nominated
- Details as to how the student being nominated meets the criteria outlined for the award
- Supporting documentation such as letters of reference, articles, resume outlining student/community involvement, research papers.
Engineering Achievement Award for Student Welfare
2020-2021 Eligibility: Engineering student. Recipient need not be a degree candidate.
Description/Criteria: Awarded to undergraduate and graduate engineering students who have made outstanding contributions to student welfare through participation in extracurricular activities and who have given outstanding service to the campus community.
Award: Citation
Nomination Process: Submit nomination letter and supporting documentation to the Commencement Awards Team in the Office of Academic & Student Affairs via email to . ATTN: Awards Selection Committee.
*Nominations by faculty, staff, peers and others are strongly encouraged; however, self-nominations will be considered. Selection will be made by the OASA Awards Committee
Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
Harry M. Showman Prize
2020-2021 Eligibility: Engineering student. One graduate level AND one undergraduate level award will be considered. Recipients need not be degree candidates.
Description/Criteria: Awarded to those who most effectively communicate the achievements, research, results or social significance of any aspect of engineering to a student audience, the engineering professions, or the general public. Primary consideration will be given to written articles or editorial services for an engineering student publication, but the award may also be conferred for meritorious contributions in other areas of communication.
Award: Plaque and monetary award (monetary award subject to fund verification)
Nomination Process: Submit nomination letter and supporting documentation to the Commencement Awards Team in the Office of Academic & Student Affairs via email to . ATTN: Awards Selection Committee.
*Nominations by faculty, staff, peers and others are strongly encouraged; however, self-nominations will be considered. Selection will be made by the HSSEAS Honors and Awards Committee.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
Outstanding Bachelor of Science Award
2020-2021 Eligibility: Undergraduate students who will complete their B.S. in Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, or Summer 2021.
Description/Criteria: Criteria may include items such as GPA, creativity, research, and community service.
Award: Plaque and monetary award (monetary award subject to fund verification)
Nomination Process: Submit nomination letter and supporting documentation to the Commencement Awards Team in the Office of Academic & Student Affairs via email to . ATTN: Awards Selection Committee.
*Nominations by faculty, staff and others are strongly encouraged; however, self nominations will be considered. Selection will be made by the HSSEAS Awards and Honors Committee.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
There will be no School-wide nomination process for Outstanding Master of Science and Outstanding Doctor of Philosophy Awards. Check with your academic department to find out if there will be department selection.
Russell R. O’Neill Distinguished Service Award
2020-2021 Eligibility: upper division (Jr./Sr.) undergraduate engineering student in good standing. Recipient need not be a degree candidate.
Description/Criteria: An award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the undergraduate student body, student organizations, the School, and to the advancement of the undergraduate engineering program through service and participation in extracurricular activities.
Award: Plaque and monetary award (monetary award subject to fund verification)
Nomination Process: Submit nomination letter and supporting documentation to the Commencement Awards Team in the Office of Academic & Student Affairs via email to . ATTN: Awards Selection Committee.
*Nominations by faculty, staff, peers and others are strongly encouraged; however, self nominations will be considered. Selection will be made by the R.R. O’Neill Awards Committee.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
AWARDS BY APPLICATION
Review Application details for Commencement Student Speaker and National Anthem Performer below:
Commencement Student Speaker
2021 Eligibility: Engineering undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing AND a degree candidate for Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021. Students who are candidates for Fall 2021 may apply if they have followed the Special Requests instructions on the eligibility and participation page.
Description/Criteria: Prepare an acceptable speech 3 to 5 minutes in length on a theme related to Commencement/Graduation. One student’s video will be selected to represent all degree recipients at the commencement ceremony.
Application Submission Process: Submit the below materials to the Student Speaker Selection Committee via e-mail:
- a copy of your graduation speech (at the top include name, UCLA UID, telephone number, e-mail contact)
- a short biography about yourself, which must include your name, degree to be awarded (BS/MS/PHD), major, degree term, and your plans after graduation This could be used in commencement programming if you are selected.
- a photo image that could be used in commencement programming if you are selected.
- please also include telephone and e-mail contact.
- a 3-5 minute video submission of your final speech in its entirety. (make sure you are dressed appropriately, business casual/formal acceptable)
Make sure your presented speech video matches the copy you provided in your application.
Application Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
National Anthem Performer (Vocalist or Instrumentalist)
2021 Eligibility: Engineering student in good academic standing*. Applicant(s) need not be a degree candidate.
Description/Criteria: One or several student(s) *may be selected to perform the National Anthem at the annual UCLA Samueli Commencement Ceremony.
Application Submission Process: Prepare an audition recording (audio and video) and letter of introduction about yourself. The letter of application should be addressed to the Commencement Selection Committee, and include:
- audio file/recording of you singing the anthem (mp3, link)
- video file/recording of you singing the anthem (mp4, link)
- please also include telephone and e-mail contact.
- a short biography about yourself, which must include your name, UID, degree to be awarded (BS/MS/PHD), major, degree term, and your plans after graduation; This could be used in commencement programming materials if you are selected.
- a photo image that could be used in commencement programming materials if you are selected.
Submit materials and video/audio file or links to the Commencement Selection Committee via e-mail:
*selection for National Anthem performer may be opened to outside, non-student applicants
Application Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2021 by 5PM
