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
