CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATION GUIDE
Dear Class of 2025 Students,
Your time has come! Congratulations on reaching this extraordinary milestone graduation from Mater Dei High School. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and growth over the past four years. You have worked tirelessly, and now you are ready to receive your diploma from your alma mater, fully prepared to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in college, careers, and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and of the exceptional leadership you have demonstrated during your time at Mater Dei. Through your lived commitment to Honor, Glory, Love you have left an indelible mark on our community. As you stand on the threshold of graduation, you carry with you the promise of many joys, adventures, and possibilities that await in the years to come.
May your final days and weeks as Monarchs be filled with celebration, cherished memories, and gratitude. As you and your families take part in the meaningful traditions of graduation, may your hearts overflow with pride, joy, and happiness.
As you step forward into the world, always remember the values that have guided you here May God bless you abundantly and hold you forever in the palm of His hand
With heartfelt congratulations,
Frances Clare Principal
GRADUATION CEREMONY & DIPLOMA ELIGIBILITY
All graduation requirements MUST be completed in order to walk in the graduation ceremony, receive a diploma, and be granted graduation status on the final transcript. Below are reasons why a senior would not receive a diploma or would not be allowed to walk in the ceremony:
Diploma held & no graduation status on transcript:
One or more F grade(s) on transcript Service hours/exit reflection not completed iPad (with accessories) not turned in Financial obligations not paid in full Discipline not served
Given these requirements, it is possible to walk in graduation but not receive a diploma or graduation status on final transcript.
Not permitted to walk in the graduation ceremony on 5/31: Three or more F grades on transcript Service hour requirement incomplete Financial obligations not paid in full
GRADUATION FEE & SENIOR TUITION ACCOUNTS
The graduation fee of $325 was added to all senior FACTS Tuition accounts in the fall of 2024 and must be paid in full no later than April 1. This fee includes the purchase of: graduation cap, gown, and tassel four graduation tickets rental of the graduation venue and all senior end of year activities and supplies Senior tuition accounts must be paid in full no later than May 1.
GRADUATION TICKETS
ALL GUESTS (ages 2+) entering the Bren Events Center are required to have a ticket. Each student will receive four graduation tickets and four printed graduation programs These will be in their Grad Grab Bags distributed on 5/27 and 5/28 during Senior Only Days (see Grad Grab section below).
Beginning 2/13 at 10 a.m., the link to request additional tickets for purchase will go live via ParentSquare and materdei.org/graduation
All extra requests must be made by March 23.
Families will be notified of their extra ticket request status, including the approved quantity and payment details, after the request period closes on March 23
GRAD GRAB BAG PICK-UP: 5/27 & 5/28 ON SENIOR ONLY DAYS
The Grad Grab bag has everything your graduate needs for the graduation ceremony including: cap, gown, tassel graduation tickets four printed graduation programs any additional awards/certificates not distributed during Senior Awards Night graduation ceremony reminders and instructions
Grad Grab Bags can only be picked up by students who have: returned their iPads (including accessories) tuition accounts are cleared of all financial obligations met all requirements to graduate
DRESS CODE: BACCALAUREATE MASS & GRADUATION CEREMONY
Graduates are to wear their graduation gown to the Baccalaureate Mass on 5/29 (gown only, no cap, cords or stoles) AND Graduation Ceremony (cap, gown, cords, and stoles) on 5/31 over the following attire:
FEMALE STUDENTS
Dresses, dress pants, pantsuits, or skirts with blouses or sweaters, and dress shoes
The length of dresses and skirts must not exceed 3 inches above the knee
Bare shoulders must be covered by a sweater or pashmina.
Shirts and dresses must have a modest neckline.
MALE STUDENTS
Dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and dress socks
Dress shoes or tennis shoes in good repair
Students must be clean shaven.
GOWN CARE
Graduating seniors are highly encouraged to remove their gowns from the packaging in advance of the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony to ensure it is wrinkle-free
Please note that gowns should not be ironed as they can easily burn or melt
To remove wrinkles, please place the gown in the dryer on low heat.
Decorated caps are not permitted.
CORDS AND STOLES
Cords and stoles are awarded to seniors through various programs at Senior Awards Night for both academic accomplishments and service
Only Mater Dei issued cords and stoles are permitted to be worn with the graduation gown at the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony.
Flower leis and other celebratory attire may be worn after the ceremony to honor your graduate
Visit materdei.org/graduation for a full list of MD approved cords and stoles
GRADUATION CEREMONY
The Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025 will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: University of California, Irvine (UCI) - Bren Events Center
Address: 100 Bren Event Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Recommended attire for guests: Business casual
BACCALAUREATE MASS
Mater Dei High School warmly invites the Class of 2025 graduates and their families to the Baccalaureate Mass. Together, we will give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon this class and pray for God’s continued grace as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Tickets are not required for this event.
Date and time: Thursday, May 29 at 6 p m
Location: Grotto
Attire for Seniors: Graduation gown (no cap) over the appropriate dress as outlined on Class of 2025 website at materdei.org/graduation. Honor cords and stoles are reserved for the graduation ceremony on May 31.
Recommended attire for guests: Business casual
GRADUATION PHOTOS & LIVESTREAMING
Photos: Lauren Studios will be taking pictures at the graduation ceremony. Visit www.laurenstudios.com to view proofs and place your order.
Livestream: The link for the livestream will be emailed to seniors and their parents the week of graduation day
To access the livestream, please visit materdei.org/graduation
A link will also be available on the MD homepage.
DIPLOMA PICK UP
New this year! Mater Deil will offer a drive thru diploma pick up on the Mater Dei Campus: Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4 from 2-4 p.m.
More information will be sent in advance of this event via ParentSquare. Diplomas will be mailed on Friday, June 5 for those who cannot pick up in person.
GRADUATION DAY: ARRIVAL, PARKING, SEATING, AND BAG CHECKS
Arrival
Graduates must arrive by 8:00 a m and report to the tennis courts to be lined up
Guests cannot enter the Bren Events Center until 9 a.m.
We strongly encourage families and guests to allow ample time to for parking and security bag screening
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in the parking structure adjacent to the Bren Events
All guests must register their vehicle in advance of the graduation ceremony. This greatly helps with the flow of arriving traffic on graduation morning.
The parking registration link will be provided the week prior to graduation at materdei.org/graduation
Seating
Graduation is a sold-out event. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis when guests arrive in the Bren Events Center.
It is highly encouraged that your entire party arrive together for the event with tickets for all guests ages 2+
Guests will not be allowed to save seats for members of their party who have not yet arrived We ask guests to fill in all seats in the arena
Guests will not be permitted to stand in seating areas during the graduation ceremony. ADA seating is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bag-Check
The safety of our Monarch Community is always the highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in advance ALL guest bags are searched prior to admission to the Bren Events Center The following items are not permitted in the Bren Events Center: food or drinks
noise makers (cow bells, air horns, etc.)
confetti
large signs or balloons that could obstruct vision bubbles
Departure & Exit
Families and guests will meet graduating seniors outside of the Bren Events Center at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony.
Graduates will be escorted to the outside area after their exit processional.
Families will be allowed to take pictures outside of the Bren Events Center after the ceremony. The inside of the Bren Events Center will not be available for photos.
Security personnel will direct traffic toward the appropriate exit
GRADUATION CEREMONY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can students bring their cell phones into the ceremony?
A: No Students are not allowed to bring cell phones or other electronic devices with them into the ceremony. Students are asked to leave these items in their cars or with their parents. We recommend setting a meeting spot with your graduate to take photos
Q: How long is the graduation ceremony?
A: The ceremony is approximately 90 minutes long and begins promptly at 9:30 a m
Q: What time should we schedule brunch/lunch/party after the graduation ceremony?
A: To allow time for photos and exiting the UCI campus, we recommend scheduling your celebrations around 1 p.m. or after.
Q: Can I bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony?
A: No To prevent anyone’s view from being obstructed or the ceremony being interrupted, we ask that you not bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony.
Q: Are food or beverages allowed?
A: No outside food or drinks are allowed into the Bren Events Center Food and water will be available for purchase
Q: Will restrooms be available during the ceremony?
A: Yes. Restrooms are available inside of the Bren Events Center once the doors open.
Q: Does the Bren Center provide ADA seating?
A: Yes The Bren Center provides ADA seating on a first-come, first-served basis
Q: Does UCI offer a shuttle service?
A: No. UCI does not offer a shuttle service.
Q: Can family members take photos or videos during the ceremony?
A: Lauren Studios will capture each graduate as they receive their diploma Families can purchase at www.laurenstudios.com Families may take photos from their seats but may not block aisles or disrupt the ceremony.
