Spring Commencement 2023

Graduate Arrival

• Graduates should arrive at Spanos Stadium 90 minutes before their ceremony start time.
• Please arrive at the graduate entrance area located on the east side of Spanos Stadium (accessible via Mustang Way/South Perimeter Road).
• Do not arrive wearing your regalia (caps are OK) — robes must be draped over your arm until you reach the graduate regalia robing area. Regalia is required to participate.
• Graduates will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to sit with friends, please arrive together as holding seats will not be permitted. Front rows are reserved for master's students.
• Each graduate will receive water and a small snack. Outside food or beverages are not allowed (factory-sealed plastic bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers will be emptied upon arrival, regardless of their content.

Guest Arrival/Stadium Information

• Stadium gates open one hour before the ceremony for guests.
• Guests can enter Spanos Stadium from each gate.
• Accessible seating is located throughout the stadium. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests with mobility impairments and one companion.
• Outside food or beverages are not allowed (factory-sealed plastic bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers will be emptied upon arrival, regardless of their content.
• Hydration stations are available to refill bottles during the ceremony.
• Restrooms are located underneath the bleachers. 
• Ceremonies will be live-streamed with closed captioning.
• Medical personnel are located on the south side of the field.
• COVID-19 testing or vaccination status is not required.

Parking, Transportation and Accessibility

Please note that campus parking will be highly impacted throughout commencement weekend. Consider using alternative methods of transportation such as SLO Transit, Uber, Lyft, carpooling or biking to avoid delays.

• Enter campus on Highland Dr. and follow directional signage. Please note that California Blvd. will be closed. 
• Permits are not required for commencement weekend parking.
• Parking is available in lots H1, H12, H14 and H16, located off of Highland Dr.
• Accessible/ADA parking is available in lots H2a, H10, C7 and the Grand Avenue Structure. Valid placard or license plate required.
• Shuttles traveling between parking lots/structures and the stadium will be available throughout the day to guests with mobility impairments and one companion.
• Wheelchair rentals are available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Uber and Lyft drop-off locations are located in lots C7 and C2d.

Tips and Reminders

• Each ceremony will last approximately 60-90 minutes.
• A clear bag policy will be in effect in Spanos Stadium (see details below).
• Dress comfortably. There may be long walks on grass, hills and uneven pavement.
• High-heels/stilettos are not recommended as they can cause a tripping hazard on the turf field.
• Be prepared for the heat and sun. The turf field can feel hot in high temperatures.
• After the ceremony, designate a meeting place with family and friends outside of the stadium.
• Please leave pets at home. Only service animals are permitted on campus.

Clear Bag Policy

• A clear bag policy will be in effect in Spanos Stadium. This limits individuals to one clear bag or small clutch per person (12x6x12 clear bag, 12x12 gallon Ziploc, or 4.5x8.5 clutch).
• If you bring a non-clear bag larger than a small clutch, you will be required to store and pay to keep it in a bag locker near the entrance or you will need to return your bag to your vehicle prior to entry.
• Non-clear diaper bags and medically necessary items/bags are permitted but will go through a thorough search process.

Zero Tolerance Policy

• Do not arrive intoxicated. Anyone who is intoxicated or perceived to be intoxicated will not be allowed into the stadium.
• Cal Poly is a smoke, vapor and tobacco-free campus. Tobacco, cannabis or smoking products are prohibited.

Prohibited Items

Alcohol, fireworks, weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.) and glass bottles are prohibited. Anyone found in possession of these items will be removed from the event.

Other prohibited items include:

• Outside food or beverages (factory sealed plastic bottles of water OK). All outside containers will be emptied upon arrival, regardless of their content.
• Costumes
• Stickers, flyers, banners, fan signs or large posters
• Balloons, balls, inflatables or frisbees
• Laser pointers or devices
• Air horns, whistles or megaphones
• Paint pens, permanent markers, spray paint
• Coolers
• Lawn chairs and shade structures

Ceremony Photos

View and purchase commencement ceremony photos from GradImages. Prices vary by order.