Spring Commencement 2018 Guest Information
Commencement Communication
Cal Poly parents, supporters, family and friends are invited to sign up to receive Spring Commencement 2018 emails to stay in the loop about commencement ceremonies, regalia, parking, tickets and more. Emails will be distributed throughout Spring quarter.
In addition to signing up to receive emails, guests are encouraged to download the Cal Poly Now Commencement app to receive important commencement-related information.
Ceremony and Event Information
Learn about the many commencement-related events taking place throughout spring quarter.
- Commencement Kickoff (April 25-26, 2018)
- Info Booths (May 3-31, 2018)
- Cap Decorating (June 6, 2018)
- Grad Bash (June 6, 2018)
- Cultural Commencements (June 8-16, 2018)
- Commencement Ceremonies (June 16-17, 2018)
- College and Department Events (June 16-17, 2018)
Parking and Shuttle Services
Parking permits are not required during commencement weekend. Please note that campus parking will be highly impacted throughout the weekend. Please consider using alternative transportation such as SLO Transit, Uber, Lyft and carpooling.
All Commencement guests must enter campus via Highland Drive (view directional map). Please note that Grand Avenue will be closed to commencement attendees due to residence hall move-out traffic.
General parking will be available to all graduates and guests in lots H1, H2, H12, H14 and H16.
Accessible parking for guests with mobility impairments will be available in lots C7, H2 and the Grand Avenue Structure. All vehicles must have a valid accessible parking placecard or license plate in order to access the structure.
Accessible shuttles are provided for guests with mobility impairments and one companion. Purple shuttles will take guests to and from the northwest side of the stadium to the H-1 Lot. Green shuttles will take guests to and from the northwest side of the stadium to the H-12, H-14 and H-16 Lots. Blue shuttles will take guests to and from the northwest side of the stadium to the Grand Avenue structure.
Parking and Shuttle Map (view larger):
Stadium Seating, Services and Accessibility
Stadium gates open 90 minutes before each ceremony.
General SeatingGeneral seating is located throughout the stadium. Please note that bleacher seats do not have armrests or chair backs..
Accessible seating is located throughout the stadium and on the south side of the field. Seating is available on first-come basis for guests with mobility impairments and one companion. If you need assistance, please ask the nearest usher.
Concession stands are located outside of the stadium on the south side.
Misting fans are located on the south side of the field for guests who need relief from the heat.
Each graduate and guest will receive a complimentary water upon entry. In addition, drinking fountains are located throughout the stadium.
Medical personnel are located on the south side of the field. If you need assistance, please ask the nearest usher.
Gift and regalia vendors are located outside of the stadium on the south side.
Restrooms are located underneath the east and west side bleachers and at portable facilities on the south side of the field.
Private rooms are available to any graduates or guests who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. Rooms are located in building 124, rooms 203, 204 and 205. Each room is ADA accessible and is equipped with headphones and fidget items. If you have any questions or concerns, staff will be on site to assist you.
Ceremony Tips and Information
- Stadium gates open 90 minutes before each ceremony.
- Graduate processional into the stadium begins 30 minutes before each ceremony.
- The ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours.
- After the ceremony, designate a meeting place with your graduate outside of the stadium.
- Please dress comfortably. There may be lengthy walks on grass, hills and uneven pavement.
- The stadium is not shaded. Be prepared for the weather by wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
- Please leave pets at home. Only service animals are permitted on campus.
- Encourage your graduate to Celebrate Respectfully and Celebrate Responsibly.
- Alcohol, fireworks, air horns, weapons and glass bottles are prohibited. Those found in possession of such items will be removed from the ceremony.
- Large bags and coolers are not allowed in the stadium.
- Please mindful of those sitting around you and do not obstruct their views when taking photographs or by holding large signs, balloons, umbrellas, etc.
- Download the Cal Poly Now Commencement app to stay connected and informed throughout the weekend.
- Follow Cal Poly Commencement on Instagram and Facebook
Ceremony Livestreams
All three commencement ceremonies will be streamed live from Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Follow the links below to view:
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and College of Science and Mathematic
College of Liberal Arts and Orfalea College of Business
College of Architecture and Environmental Design and College of Engineering
Livestream Viewing Rooms
Looking to escape the heat and sun? Guests are invited to watch ceremony livestreams in the following indoor on-campus viewing rooms:
| on-campus Location | DIRECTIONS |
|---|---|
| Building 2, Room 13 | View on campus map |
| Building 2, Room 113 | View on campus map |
| Building 3, Room 111 | View on campus map |
| Building 3, Room 112 | View on campus map |
| Building 3, Room 113 | View on campus map |
| Building 3, Room 114 | View on campus map |
| Building 124, Room 117 | View on campus map |
| Building 124, Room 224 | View on campus map |
| Building 180, Room 101 | View on campus map |
| Building 180, Room 102 | View on campus map |
| Building 180, Room 112 | View on campus map |
| Building 180, Room 113 | View on campus map |
| Building 180, Room114 | View on campus map |
Tickets
Tickets are required for all guests attending the commencement ceremonies located in Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Learn more.
Regalia and Accessories
Caps, gowns, tassels, sashes, announcements and diploma frames are available to purchase both online and in the University Store. Learn more.
Stadium Directions
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Take exit 203B to merge onto CA-1 N/Toro St. toward Morro Bay/Hearst Castle
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Turn right onto CA-1 N/Santa Rosa St.
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Turn right onto Highland Dr.
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Follow directional signage to commencement parking lots (view parking map)
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Take exit 203B for CA-1 N toward Morro Bay
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Take CA-1 N/Santa Rosa St. to Highland Dr.
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Continue onto Montalban St.
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Turn right onto CA-1 N/Santa Rosa St.
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Turn right onto Highland Dr.
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Follow directional signage to commencement parking lots (view parking map)
Honor Your 2018 Graduate
It may seem like only yesterday that your student moved into their residence hall. Yet, in the blink of an eye, they are preparing for graduation and making strides to create a better world. You and your graduating senior are now part of Cal Poly’s legacy and can ensure its longevity by supporting Cal Poly’s mission.
The Senior Gift campaign is a fundraising effort led by current Cal Poly seniors benefiting the health, happiness and wellbeing of Cal Poly students. In the true spirit of students helping students, this year’s senior class gift will support the Cal Poly Cares program, which provides much-needed support to deserving students who are unable to afford core needs such as food, medicine and books that are critical to their ongoing success. Your support will continue to open doors for future lives to be transformed just as your students has been.
