College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Saturday, June 11

College Commencement Ceremony

• 8:30 a.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Department Events

• Agribusiness: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Agricultural Education and Communication: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Animal Science and Dairy Science: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• BioResource and Agricultural Engineering: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Experience Industry Management: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Food Science and Nutrition: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Horticulture and Crop Science: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• ROTC Commissioning Ceremony: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Spanos Theatre)
• Wine and Viticulture: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (O'Neill Green)

College of Architecture and Environmental Design 

Saturday, June 11

College Commencement Ceremony

• 12:30 p.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Department Events

• Architectural Engineering: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (KTGY Gallery)
• Architecture: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Berg Gallery - Bldg. 5, Rm. 105)
• City and Regional Planning: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Bldg. 21, Rm. 121A)
• Construction Management: 2-4 p.m. (Bldg. 187 Courtyard)
• Landscape Architecture: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Bldg. 34 Patio)

Orfalea College of Business

Sunday, June 12

College Commencement Ceremony

• 8:30 a.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Friday, June 10

Graduate Programs

• 4-6 p.m. (Performing Arts Center)

College of Engineering

Saturday, June 11

College Commencement Ceremony

• 4:30 p.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Department Events

• Aerospace Engineering: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Multi-Activity Center)
• Biomedical Engineering: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Multi-Activity Center)
• Civil Engineering (BS): 2-3 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS): 1-2 p.m. (Kennedy Library Plaza)
• Computer Science: 1-3 p.m. (Performing Arts Center)
• Computer Engineering: 1-3 p.m. (Bldg. 197 Plaza)
• Electrical Engineering: 1-3 p.m. (Dexter Lawn)
• Environmental Engineering (BS): 2-3 p.m. (Kennedy Library Plaza)
• General Engineering: 2:30 - 4 p.m. (Bldg. 13 Courtyard)
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering: 1-3 p.m. (Bldg. 41 Courtyard)
• Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies: 2-3 p.m. (Bldg. 180, Rm. 101 and Lobby)
• Materials Engineering: 1-3 p.m. (Baker Lawn)
• Mechanical Engineering: 1-3 p.m. (Mott Gym)

College of Liberal Arts

Sunday, June 12

College Commencement Ceremony

• 4:30 p.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Department Events

• Art and Design: 1:30 - 3 p.m.(Bldg. 34 Plaza)
• English: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Kennedy Library Plaza)
• Ethnic Studies: 2:30 - 4 p.m. (Bldg. 124 Courtyard)
• Graphic Communication: 2-3:30 p.m. (Bldg. 26, Rm. 204)
• History: 1-3 p.m. (O'Neill Green)
• Journalism: 2-3:30 p.m. (Bldg. 26, Rm. 226)
• Music 2-3:30 p.m. (Bldg. 45, Rm. 218)
• Philosophy: 2 - 3 p.m. (UU 220)
• Social Science: 2:30 - 4 p.m. (ATL & Bonderson Plaza)
• Theatre and Dance: 1-2:30 (Bldg. 45, Rm. 212)

College of Science and Mathematics

Sunday, June 12

College Commencement Ceremony

• 12:30 p.m. (Spanos Stadium)

Department Events

• All departments: 2-4 p.m. (Baker Lawn)

Saturday, June 11

School of Education

• 9-11 a.m. (Performing Arts Center)

Cultural Commencement Celebrations

Cultural Commencement celebrations honor the diversity of Cal Poly graduates, acknowledge their identities, and celebrate their accomplishments. Registration is required to participate.

American Indian and Indigenous Commencement

• Friday, June 3: 4-7 p.m.
• Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Commencement

• Friday, June 10: 5-8 p.m.
• Dexter Lawn

Black Commencement

• Friday, June 10: 5-8:30 p.m.
• Spanos Theatre

Chicanx/Latinx Commencement

• Saturday, June 11: 7-9 p.m.
• Performing Arts Center

Disability Commencement

• Thursday, May 26: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Multi-Activity Center (MAC)

Jewish Commencement

• Friday, June 10: 3-4:30 p.m.
• San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Lavender (LGBTQ) Commencement

• Saturday, June 4: 10 a.m-1 p.m.
• Spanos Theatre

Monarch Commencement

• Thursday, June 9: 6-7 p.m.
• Virtual (Zoom link available to registrants)

Southwest Asian North African (SWANA) Commencement

• Friday, June 10: 6 - 8 p.m.
• KTGY Gallery (Bldg. 21)

Health and Safety

Graduates

• Graduates are required to complete their COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Tool and be prepared to show their campus pass upon arrival at Spanos Stadium.
• Graduates who do not have access to their campus will be asked to complete a health screening upon arrival (regardless of vaccination status) and confirm that they are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms.

Guests

• COVID-19 testing or vaccination status is not required for guests.

Indoor Mask Mandate

• On May 31, Cal Poly reinstated its indoor mask mandate for all campus facilities. This change applies to all students, employees and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, and will be effective through Sunday, June 12, at a minimum.
• If you are planning on attending any indoor department or cultural events (listed above), please note that masks will be required. At this time, masks are not required for the outdoor college commencement ceremonies in Spanos Stadium.

Tickets

Graduates receive 10 ceremony tickets. Ticket information is sent to Cal Poly email addresses from tickets@tickets.calpoly.edu with the subject line "Claim Your Spring Commencement Tickets."

• Tickets are required for guest entrance into the ceremony and can be presented in either printed form or on mobile devices.
• Each ticket is unique and will be scanned upon entry. Do not duplicate tickets. Individuals with tickets obtained from unauthorized sources may be denied admission.
• Children two years and under who are able to sit on an adult's lap do not need a ticket.
• Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to guests prior to their ceremony.
• Graduates do not need a ticket.
• Due to capacity limitations, graduates cannot request additional tickets.

Graduate Arrival

• Graduates should arrive at Spanos Stadium ONE HOUR before each 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 must show a Campus Pass or complete a health screening to enter.
• 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 a bottle of water and a small snack.

Guest Arrival/Stadium Information

• Stadium gates open one hour before each 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. (VIEW CAMPUS MAP)
• Permits are not required for commencement weekend parking.
• Parking is available in lots H1, H12, H14 and H16, located off of Highland Dr. (VIEW PARKING MAP)
• Accessible/ADA parking is available in lots H2a, H10, C7 and the Grand Avenue Structure. Valid placard or license plate required. (VIEW PARKING MAP)
• Shuttles traveling between parking lots/structures and the stadium will be available throughout the day to guests with mobility impairments and one companion. (VIEW SHUTTLE MAP)
• Wheelchair rentals are available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Ride SLO Transit for FREE to and from campus by showing your ceremony ticket.
• Uber and Lyft drop-off locations are located in lots C7 and C2d.
• A Bike Valet (secure bike parking service) will be available in lot C7.

Maps

• Campus Map
• Parking Map
• Shuttle Map

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

Spring Commencement 2021

Virtual Celebrations

• College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• College of Architecture and Environmental Design
• Orfalea College of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science and Mathematics

In-Person Recognition Events

• College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• College of Architecture and Environmental Design 
• Orfalea College of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science and Mathematics

Commemorative Booklet

View the Spring Commencement 2021 Commemorative Booklet, featuring graduate names, messages from campus leadership and student awardees.

Graduate Slides

View the Spring Commencement 2021 graduate slides, featuring graduate names, celebratory headshots, and personal messages.

Spring Commencement 2020

Virtual Celebration

Commemorative Booklet

Enjoy the Spring Commencement 2020 Commemorative Booklet featuring graduate names, messages from campus leadership, and student awardees.

Archived Ceremony Videos

Visit the Cal Poly Commencement YouTube Channel to watch past Spring Commencement ceremony livestream videos.