Commencement 2024 | Commencement (2024)

• Graduates should arrive at Spanos Stadium onehourbefore their ceremony start time.
• Please arrive at the graduate entrance on the east side ofSpanosStadium (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 receivewater anda 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.

• Stadium gates open one hour 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.
• Wheelchair rentals are available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Gift vendors are located on the east side of the stadium.

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. will be closed.
• Permits are not required for commencement weekend parking.
• Parking is available in lots H1, H12, H14 andH16, located off Highland Dr.
• Accessible/ADAparking is available in lots H2a, C7and the Grand Avenue Structure. Validplacard or license plate is required.
• Shuttles traveling between parking lots/structures and the stadium will be available to guests with mobility impairments and one companion throughout the day.
• Uber and Lyftdrop-off locations are located in lotsC7and C2d.

• Live in-preson ceremony interpretation services are available in the following languages: Spanish, Mandarin and Korean. Learn more.
• Headphones are available at the information booth located on the southeast side of the field.
• Sign language interpretation is located on the west side of the stadium.

• Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
  • TheCollege 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/stilettosare not recommendedas they cancause a tripping hazard onthe 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.

• 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.
• We've upgraded to move-through metal detectors at all entrances to speed up the entry process. All graduates and guests willbe subject to metal detector screening prior toentering Spanos Stadium.

• 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-freecampus. Tobacco, cannabis or smoking products are prohibited.

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

• Fireworks andweapons 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 andany 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.

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Dear Class of 2023,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

As we prepare to celebrate your accomplishments, we would like to share the following important announcement about upcoming university commencement ceremonies.

Beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, Cal Poly will no longer host Fall Commencement and will instead celebrate all graduates at Spring Commencement in Spanos Stadium.

The elimination of Fall Commencement allows all graduates to enjoy an equitable graduation experience, including participation in Cultural Commencement ceremonies and college and department celebrations, all of which only take place in spring quarter. It also allows the university to enhance the overall ceremony experience in Spanos Stadium for all graduates and guests to enjoy.

All graduates will continue to be able to claim up to ten guest tickets for each college commencement ceremony.

We look forward to celebrating all members of the Class of 2023 in Spanos Stadium this June 17-18. For more information about Spring Commencement, please visitcommencement.calpoly.edu.

Go Mustangs!

Cal Poly Commencement Office