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
Celebrates the personal and academic accomplishments of graduating Cal Poly APIDA students. This ceremony recognizes the students’ impact at Cal Poly in acknowledging the importance of culture and community for students from the Asian, Pan-Asian, and APIDA diaspora. Graduating students, supporters, and friends will be able to celebrate this commencement with food, keynote speakers, cultural performances, and personal memories from their time at Cal Poly.
Black Commencement Ceremony
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
Celebrates the culture and accomplishments of Cal Poly Latinx students. This bilingual ceremony, organized by the Chicanx/Latinx Commencement Committee, is open to all students, parents, family, and friends. The event consists of food, entertainment, guest speakers, remarks by graduating students and recognizes those who have supported Latinx students throughout their Cal Poly journey.
Disability Commencement Ceremony
Recognizing and celebrating students with disabilities who are graduating. We celebrate their success with a ceremony and reception that acknowledges their achievements and allows the opportunity for students to thank their supporters.
Jewish Commencement Ceremony
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 (LGBTQIA+) Commencement Ceremony
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
Monarch Commencement recognizes and uplifts the academic accomplishments and personal successes of the undocumented and DACAmented students at Cal Poly SLO. It is an opportunity for our graduates to be in community with their families/supporters, friends and allies. 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 wish to celebrate their students even from afar.
Native American and Indigenous Commencement
Celebrates the achievements of graduating Native American and Indigenous students.
Southwest Asian North African (SWANA) Commencement Ceremony
Recognizes the culture and accomplishments of the Cal Poly SWANA graduating class. This commencement is also a time when students are able to thank their families and friends for their support along the way.
