Winter Commencement 2016

College of Liberal Arts

1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 | Recreation Center Main Gymnasium

Graduates will gather in cap and gown for a high-energy processional featuring a student-produced photographic retrospective with entertainment by Cal Poly student musicians. The program will feature brief remarks, motivational speeches, pinning of our new alumni, the conferral of degrees, and a spirited closing. Graduates will receive 10 admission tickets that provide access to one of the university ceremonies.

Student Affairs will host receptions in the University Union Plaza for participants and guests immediately following each ceremony. In case of rain, the receptions will occur in the Multi Activity Center within the Recreation Center.

The information below will help guide you through the commencement eligibility process and commencement experience on graduation day.

Graduation Checklist

• Save the date! Notify your family and guests so they can make travel and lodging arrangements. 
• October 28-29 : Visit the University Store Grad Days to personalized graduation announcements, diploma frames, and class rings!
• November 20 : Visit the Fall Commencement Fair to purchase  your academic regalia, personalized graduation announcements, Cal Poly Proud gear, and so much more! More information on location, times and vendors coming soon!
• November 19 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and November 20 (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Schedule to have your graduation portrait taken by Ultimate Exposures.
• November 21- December 13 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Go to the University Store Commencement Center to purchase academic regalia and grad packets (which include 10 guest tickets and graduate instructions) for Fall Commencement. December 5 is the last date to guarantee your cap and gown size will be available. Any student who will not be available to pick up their grad packet prior to commencement can contact the University Store at 805-756-5322 to be placed on the Grad List.

Commencement Eligibility

Students who would like to participate in a ceremony other than the one for which they are eligible must submit a Commencement Petition Request Form to the Commencement Office. The form must be submitted prior to October 10 in order for the student's name to appear in the commencement program booklet provided at fall graduation.

For further information, contact Cal Poly Commencement at 805-756-1580 or visit the Cal Poly Commencement website.