5/8/2020 - Important Commencement Updates

Dear Class of 2020 graduates,

I am writing today to inform you of our ongoing planning around upcoming commencement celebrations. We are keenly aware of the disappointment many of you are feeling with the postponement of our formal ceremonies previously scheduled for June 2020. We share your disappointment.

You have accomplished so much, and we are committed to properly celebrating your achievements. As we look ahead at our plans, we want to assure you that we will invite all eligible Class of 2020 graduates to the next available in-person commencement ceremony. Our future commencement plans will be held when public health conditions allow us to gather as a community and with your loved ones in attendance.

As you all know, our decisions about campus operations have been made in consultation with CSU leadership and state and local government and public health agencies. Similarly, our decisions about future gatherings, especially those of such scope and size as commencement, will be decided in partnership with these fellow leaders.

Because of the rapidly evolving nature of the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot say with certainty that we will host a fall 2020 commencement in December. If we are able to do so, we plan to hold college-based ceremonies at the following dates and times:

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020

• 9 a.m. – College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences

• 1 p.m. – College of Architecture and Environmental Design

• 5 p.m. – College of Engineering

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020

• 9 a.m. – Orfalea College of Business

• 1 p.m. – College of Science and Mathematics

• 5 p.m. – College of Liberal Arts

It is more likely that our celebration will be extended to spring 2021, hosting several commencement ceremonies for all eligible 2020 graduates and eligible spring 2021 graduates. Under this scenario, we would plan to hold college-based ceremonies on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, June 12-14, 2021. However, if we are able to honor our 2020 graduates in December, our June 2021 ceremonies will be held only on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13, 2021, as is our tradition.

We anticipate that we will be able to share our detailed plans for commencement in early fall quarter.

We are committed to providing you with a formal and memorable experience filled with all the pomp, circumstance, and recognition that each of you deserve. In the meantime, stay tuned for special recognition this quarter of your achievements, including several culminating celebratory videos and gifts. You have persevered and succeeded at Cal Poly and will leave us ready to lead and better our entire world. I am so proud of each of you.

Sincerely,
 

Keith B. Humphrey
Vice President for Student Affairs

4/14/20 Spring Commencement 2020 Updates

Dear Spring 2020 Graduates,

You are in the home stretch and we are incredibly proud of all the accomplishments you have achieved on your journey towards graduation. As you know, in an effort to protect the health and safety of our community, the university has postponed this year’s in-person commencement ceremonies.

While we won’t be celebrating as originally planned, we are still dedicated to honoring you! Please complete the following short survey to indicate your interest in returning to campus for an in-person ceremony on a future date.

Take the Survey: https://bit.ly/2XFb4YH

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for several exciting opportunities from our office to share your stories, goals, memories and gratitude. We are working hard to adapt to our virtual environment this quarter and want to ensure that spring grads will forge an even deeper bond and a greater sense of community.

Please know that your expected graduation term will not be impacted by the postponement of June ceremonies, pending successful completion of all degree requirements. For more information about degree postings and diplomas, please visit the Graduation Process website. In addition, if you would like to order commencement regalia or adjust your pre-order purchase, please follow the instructions through links below.

Purchase Regalia: https://bit.ly/3cgilSQ
Ship Regalia Pre-Order: https://bit.ly/3acXrCW
Cancel Regalia Pre-Order: https://bit.ly/2VudEyd
Commencement FAQs: commencement.calpoly.edu

We appreciate your patience and look forward to updating you with more information soon. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at commencement@calpoly.edu.

In community,
The Commencement Office Team

Spring Commencement 2020 has been postponed. Will it be rescheduled?

Spring Commencement ceremonies will not be held this June. This difficult decision aligns with actions being taken by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. In the months ahead, the university will work to determine alternate forms of recognizing our graduates. As soon as decisions are made our office will share with the class of 2020 and the campus community. 

Will other commencement-related events, such as Commencement Kickoff, Cultural Commencement ceremonies, and college/department events, be rescheduled? 

At this time, all events associated with Spring Commencement are canceled. Many of the coordinators, staff, faculty, and students who worked to plan these events are dedicated to honoring graduates and will consider alternative ways to celebrate.

What alternative forms of recognition are being considered for spring graduates? 

The Commencement Office is considering several possibilities including, but not limited to, virtual engagement opportunities throughout spring quarter, in-person celebrations throughout the next academic year, and commemorative gifts mailed to the permanent address of each graduate. 

What is the plan for Fall Commencement 2020? 

Due to the postponement of Spring Commencement 2020, the Fall 2020 ceremony schedule is currently under review. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. 

Can I still purchase regalia?

Yes. Caps, gowns, tassels, sashes, masters hoods, class rings, and diploma frames are available for purchase at http://herff.ly/calpoly until June 7, 2020. All online orders will be shipped to the mailing address you provide. 

I pre-ordered my regalia online. Can I have my order shipped to me? 

Yes. Please visit herffjones.com/homedelivery to complete a form to have your regalia pre-order shipped to you.

I pre-ordered my regalia online. Can I cancel my purchase and receive a refund?

Yes. Please visit herffjones.com/collegereturns to complete a refund form for your regalia pre-order. 

Since commencement is postponed, is my graduation term impacted? 

No. Your expected graduation term, which can be viewed in your Poly Profile, will not be impacted. For more information, please visit registrar.calpoly.edu/grad_process.

Will I still receive my diploma? 

Yes. After your degree is posted, it will take approximately three weeks for delivery to your address. Diplomas are sent via USPS to yourmailing address. It is critical that you update your mailing address in your Poly Profile before you leave Cal Poly. For more information, please visit registrar.calpoly.edu/grad_process.