Spring Commencement 2020 Ceremonies and Events
SPRING COMMENCEMENT 2020 CEREMONY SCHEDULE
June 13-14 | ALEX G. SPANOS STADIUM
Saturday, June 13, 2020
8 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, June 14, 2020
8 a.m. | Orfalea College of Business
1 p.m. | College of Science and Mathematics
5 p.m. | College of Liberal Arts
CULTURAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
In addition to the official degree-conferring commencement ceremonies held in Alex G. Spanos Stadium, the university hosts seven cultural commencement ceremonies to honor the achievements of our diverse student communities.
American Indian and Indigenous | Friday, June 5 | 4 - 7 p.m. | SLO Botanical Gardens
The American Indian and Indigenous Commencement celebrates the achievements of graduating American Indian and Indigenous students.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American | Friday, June 12 | 5 - 8 p.m. | Performing Arts Center - Main Lobby and Miossi Hall
The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Commencement is an annual ceremony that honors and recognizes the accomplishments, community contributions, and success of Cal Poly APIDA graduates. This dinner celebration includes speakers, awards, entertainment and friends and families are welcome.
Black | Friday, June 12 | 4 - 8 p.m. | Spanos Theatre and Patio
Black Commencement is an annual graduation ceremony recognizing the culture and achievements of the Cal Poly African American and Diaspora graduating class. This commencement is a time for students to thank their families and friends for their support along the way. Distinguished speakers, special student awards, live performances, and the tradition of wearing Kente cloth stoles hand-woven from African, all add to the celebration of excellence.
Chicanx/Latinx | TBD | TBD | Performing Arts Center - Main Lobby and Miossi Hall
The 42nd annual Chicanx/Latinx Commencement 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 | Friday, June 5 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | Octagon Barn - Milking Parlor
Disability Resource Center (DRC) commencement recognizes the accomplishments, persistence and strength of our graduating students. We celebrate their success with a ceremony and reception that acknowledges their achievements and allows the opportunity for students to thank their supporters.
Jewish | TBD | TBD | Biddle Ranch Winery
The 1st Jewish Commencement celebrates the amazing accomplishments of our 2020 class of Cal Poly's Jewish students. This ceremony is open to all students, parents, family and friends. The event will be a classical Jewish brunch with Bagels and Lox, local cheeses and fruits, kosher deli meats, coffee, wine and champagne. We will enjoy encouraging words from guest speakers and memorable remarks by graduating students in a beautiful, peaceful setting. Join us for a very special l'chaim!
Lavender | TBD | TBD | TBD
Lavender Commencement recognizes the scholarship, accomplishments, and community contributions of underrepresented sexual and gender minorities including, but not limited to, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual/aromantic, queer, transgender, genderqueer, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, non-binary, agender, intersex, questioning, and allied graduating seniors and graduate students.
Monarch Commencement | TBD | TBD | Performing Arts Center - Upper Balcony Lobby
Monarch Commencement is an annual graduation ceremony that recognizes graduating Undocumented students & those from mixed-status families in their life/academic accomplishments. The purpose of this commencement is to create an inclusive and intimate environment for dreamers and their supporters in celebrating their resiliency and drive. This event will provide food, guest speakers, and student remarks that are indicative to their experiences.
SWANA | Friday, June 12 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | PAC Pavilion
Southwest Asian North African Commencement is an annual celebration recognizing 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.
COLLEGE AND DEPARTMENT EVENTS
Individual college and department event schedules will be available in spring 2020.
COMMENCEMENT KICKOFF
April 8-9 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | UNIVERSITY STORE
Commencement Kickoff provides students who are eligible to participate in commencement the opportunity to acquire all their needs for the big day in one convenient place. Designed as a “one-stop shop,” graduates can purchase:
- Caps, gowns, tassels and stoles
- Graduation announcements
- Class rings
- Diploma frames
- Flowers, leis and gifts
- Cap and gown portraits
The following departments and resources will also be available:
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Commencement Office: Meet the staff, ask questions, enjoy free food and win prizes!
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Alumni Association: Learn about your Cal Poly Alumni Association membership.
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Career Services: Explore the many career resources and services available to graduates.
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Senior Gift Campaign: Learn about the Senior Gift Campaign, a fundraising effort that benefits the health, happiness and well-being of Cal Poly students.
INFO BOOTHS
DATES AND TIMES TBD
Stop by the UU Plaza to meet the Commencement Office staff, ask questions, enjoy free food and win prizes!
