Commencement 2025

Graduate Arrival

• Graduates should arrive at Spanos Stadium 90 minutes before their ceremony start time.
• Please arrive at the graduate entrance 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 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 south end of the field.
• Cooling tents are located on the south side 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.
• Gift vendors are located on the east side of the stadium.

Parking and Shuttles

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.

• Enter campus on Highland Dr. and follow directional signage. Please note that California Blvd., Cuesta Ave., College Ave. and South Perimeter will be closed. 
• Permits are not required for commencement weekend parking.
• Parking is available in lots H1, H12, H14 and H16, located off Highland Dr and Via Carta.
• Accessible/ADA parking is available in lots H2a, C7 and the Grand Avenue Structure.
  • Valid ADA placards are required to use the designated ADA spaces in the mobility impaired parking areas.  An ADA placard is not required to access the mobility impaired parking areas located in Grand Structure and the C-7 lot.
• Shuttles traveling between all Commencment parking lots/structures and Spanos Stadium will be provided from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• ADA rover vehicles are available on request to guests with mobility impairments and one companion throughout the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Designated Uber/Lyft drop-off and pick-up locations will be in the ASI Children's Center Lot, C-2d

Tips and Reminders

• Each ceremony will last approximately 90 - 120 minutes.
  • The College of Architecture and Environmental Design ceremony will be slightly shorter in duration, and the College of Engineering ceremony will be slightly longer.
• 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 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.
• Stickers, flyers, banners, flags, 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.

2024-25 Emails