Cultural Commencement Celebrations

Cal Poly's Cultural Commencement celebrations are held in addition to the official university commencement ceremonies. Cultural Commencements are facilitated through partnerships with students, faculty, and staff to honor the diversity of our students, acknowledge their identities, and commemorate successful college careers.


Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, June 8 | 4-7 p.m. | Multi Activity Center

This ceremony recognizes and celebrates the varied accomplishments of graduating Cal Poly APIDA students. Through this ceremony we hope to underscore the impact of this student community at Cal Poly by highlighting the diverse culture of the Asian, Pan-Asian, and APIDA diaspora. 


Black Commencement Ceremony

Friday, June 14 | 4-8 p.m. | Spanos Theatre & Sequoia Lawn

The Black Commencement Ceremony recognizes the culture and accomplishments of the Cal Poly students of the Black and African Diaspora graduating class. This commencement is designed to unite families, friends, and students to celebrate the traditional rite of passage by bridging our culture and achievements. Distinguished speakers are chosen every year to provide insightful words of wisdom and encouragement to empower students in all of their future endeavors. Students and their guests will enjoy live performances, a sit-down dinner, and the tradition of wearing Kente cloth stoles hand-woven from Africa, all add to the vibrancy. 


Chicanx/Latinx Commencement Ceremony

Friday, June 14 | 12-3 p.m. | Performing Arts Center

This bilingual ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of our Cal Poly students that represent a vibrant and intersectional Latine/x diaspora. This ceremony aims to recognize this resilient student community and all who have supported them throughout their Cal Poly journey.


Disability Commencement Ceremony

Friday, May 31 | 12-2 p.m. | UU220

Join us for the Disability Commencement Ceremony as we recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students with disabilities! This ceremony and reception are a special way to honor their hard work and thank their supporters. You don't need to be registered with the DRC to participate - ALL are welcome to join in this celebration of diversity and success!


Jewish Commencement Ceremony

Friday, June 14 | 3-5 p.m. | Plant Conservatory

Jewish commencement is a time to honor students who hold a Jewish identity in any capacity. Whether you have been involved in Jewish life or not, we want to celebrate your accomplishments! This event will involve food, students speakers, and a chance to be recognized for all of your hard work. All family and friends are welcome. 


Lavender (LGBTQIA2S+) Commencement Ceremony

Friday, June 7 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Spanos Theatre

Lavender Commencement recognizes and celebrates the scholarship, accomplishments, and community contributions of historically marginalized sexual and gender identities including, but not limited to, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Pansexual, Asexual/Aromantic, Queer, Transgender, Genderqueer, Gender Fluid, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, Agender, Intersex, and Questioning graduate students.


Monarch Commencement Ceremony

Thursday, June 13 | 4-6 p.m. | PAC Pavilion

This ceremony uplifts the academic accomplishments and personal successes of the undocumented and DACAmented students at Cal Poly SLO. We will center immigrant student stories of resilience and joy through this celebration! There will be a virtual component to this ceremony for supporters who are unable to celebrate in-person.  


Native American and Indigenous Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, June 8 | 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | yakʔitʸutʸu Community Center

Native American and Indigenous commencement celebrates and recognizes the achievements and successes of all graduating Native American and Indigenous students. The ceremony is a place for students to celebrate and be in community with family, friends, faculty, and staff who have supported their journeys.

We welcome all students who identify as Native American or Indigenous, including, but not limited to, Alaska Natives, Indigenous Hawaiians, Indigenous Samoans, and Indigenous Latinx.


Southwest Asian North African (SWANA) Commencement Ceremony

Friday, June 14 | 6-8 p.m. | PAC Pavilion

SWANA Commencement celebrates the culture and accomplishments of the Cal Poly SWANA graduating class.  The ceremony recognizes SWANA students’ impact at Cal Poly, both individually and as a community.  Graduating students and their supporters, families, and friends will be able to celebrate this commencement with dinner, keynote speakers, cultural performances, and personal memories from their time at Cal Poly.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the collaborative support from partners across campus who help guide and execute cultural commencement celebrations each year, especially the following departments for their sponsorship:

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Office of University Diversity and Inclusion

Related Content

Follow us on Facebook

Follow The official Cal Poly Commencement Facebook page.

Follow

Follow us on Instagram

Follow The official Cal Poly Commencement Instagram account.

Follow

Graduate Status Report

Complete the Graduate Status Report and let us know what you are doing after graduation in terms of employment or your admission to graduate school.

Complete the Survey

Career Connections

Career Connections, Cal Poly's exclusive networking and mentoring platform, allows you to support and engage with current students and network with alumni.

Join Career Connections

Cal Poly Proud Alumni

Get involved with your local or affinity-based alumni chapter to network with other alumni, support current students and stay connected to your Cal Poly community.

Get Involved