Commencement 2026

What prompted the change to the Commencement schedule?

The growing number of enrolled students has led to more students participating in university commencement than ever before. Changes to the event format need to be made to avoid exceeding stadium capacity limits and to continue to offer the opportunity for graduates to claim up to 10 guest tickets.

Why are two college ceremonies combined?

The College of Architecture and Environmental Design and Philip and Christina Bailey College of Science and Mathematics are being combined for several reasons:

• CAED and BCSM historically have the smallest number of graduates. Combining them creates a single ceremony of about 1,050 to 1,150 graduates, which safely fits within our seating capacity and run-of-show limits without requiring additional ceremonies.  
• Pairing the colleges for a mid-day ceremony also helps us manage traffic and parking flow and our volunteer and staffing distribution. 
• Consolidation prevents the need to create a seventh ceremony, which would require significant staffing increases and funding resources.  
• The ceremony will continue to preserve each college’s identity, with remarks from the deans of each college, distinct student award recognition and college-specific processional and recessional moments. We look forward to creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere for graduates and guests! 

Can I choose which College of Engineering ceremony I want to attend? 

The College of Engineering plans to assign all majors to a specific ceremony.

When can students start claiming ceremony tickets? 

Grads can claim tickets — including their own ticket and up to 10 guest tickets each — starting March 9. The ticket release date is just one day before the Grad Fair, which will be held March 10-11. If grads have any questions about tickets, they are welcome to ask in person at the Grad Fair or email commencement@calpoly.edu.

Are there other important dates to be aware of? 

• Feb. 22: Regalia will be available to purchase online. This includes caps, gowns, tassels, sashes, master's hoods, gifts and gear. Regalia is required to participate in commencement.  
• March 10-11: The Grad Fair will be held at UU Plaza and the 1901 Pavilion in collaboration with the Cal Poly Mustang Shop.

Graduate Arrival

• Graduates should arrive at Spanos Stadium 90 minutes before their ceremony start time.
• Please arrive at the graduate entrance on the northeast side of Spanos Stadium, near the Orfalea College of Business and the entrance to Crandall Gym.
• 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 prohibited (factory-sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers, regardless of their content, will be emptied upon arrival.

Guest and Stadium Information

• Stadium gates open 90 minutes before each ceremony for guests.
• Outside food or beverages are prohibited (factory-sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers, regardless of their content, will be emptied upon arrival.
• Hydration stations are located on the east and west sides of the stadium.
• Restrooms are located underneath the bleachers. 
• Ceremonies will be live-streamed with closed captioning.
• Medical personnel are located on the north end zone of the field.
• Cooling tents are located on the north end of the field.
• Misting fans are located throughout the field.
• 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.
• Cal Poly’s Disability Resource Center provides accommodations for Commencement guests who need live captioning, ASL interpretation or a quieter environment to view the ceremony. The viewing room is located in Building 124 (Student Services, across from Spanos Stadium).
• Gift vendors are located throughout the stadium.

Parking and Shuttles

Parking details, shuttle routes and maps will be shared later in the quarter. Please check back here for updates as Commencement approaches.

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

Tips and Reminders

• Each ceremony will last approximately 2 to 2½ hours.
• 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 walking the commencement stage, graduates will be directed to exit Spanos Stadium into O’Neill Green. Please ask your family and supporters to meet you there.
• Please leave pets at home. Only service animals are permitted on campus.

Clear Bag Policy and Safety Screening

• 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 return your bag to your vehicle before entry.
• Non-clear diaper bags and medically necessary items/bags are permitted but will go through a thorough search process.
• All bags are subject to security inspection.

Zero Tolerance Policy

• Do not arrive intoxicated. Anyone 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.

Code of Conduct

The university takes violations of the Code of Conduct seriously during commencement. Appropriate disciplinary actions can and will be imposed for any behavior or actions that violate this code. Such violations will be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the university may impose sanctions accordingly. In addition to possibly being removed from participating in commencement, consequences may also include the withholding of your diploma, or other necessary sanctions.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited. Anyone found in possession of these items will be removed from the event.

• Fireworks and weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.).
• Alcohol and glass bottles.
• Outside food or beverages (factory-sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers, regardless of their content, will be emptied upon arrival.
• Costumes.
• Umbrellas, flags, stickers, flyers, banners, fan signs, large posters and any items that obscure the view of others or distract from the ceremony.
• 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.