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Commencement

Commencement Ceremony

Cal Poly holds two commencement ceremonies each year. The spring ceremony is for graduates completing all coursework in winter, spring, or summer. The fall ceremony is for graduates completing all coursework in fall quarter.

Spring Ceremony

Saturday, June 13th - Sunday, Jun 14th, 2009

The commencement ceremonies will be held outdoors in Spanos Stadium beginning at 9:30 a.m. and last just under two hours. Check the Web site to find out what date your specific college ceremony will be held. Post-commencement events are held following the main ceremony in different locations around campus. They are organized by the graduate's college or department and vary in length depending on the number of graduates participating. For more specific information about these events, please contact your college directly.

Fall Ceremony

Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. Ceremonies

There are typically three ceremonies for the December graduation. Check the Web site to find out what time your college ceremony will be held. Each ceremony lasts about 2 hours and is held in Mott Gym. Immediately following the ceremony, a punch and cookie reception will be held in the University Union in Chumash Auditorium which is located across the street from Mott Gym. This reception offers graduates and guests the opportunity to visit with faculty and friends.

Graduation Tickets

Graduation tickets are distributed at the Grad Center in El Corral Bookstore. El Corral will publicize the date the Grad Center opens. To receive your tickets, you must pay the $50.00 University Commencement Fee. Typically each graduate receives 10 tickets, but the total number of graduates participating in the ceremony can affect that number.

Parking

Please tell your family and friends to allow plenty of time to park as there are large crowds throughout the day. For the spring ceremony, guests should allow at least an hour to park before the ceremony begins. (Click here for campus maps showing parking lots.)

Disabled Resources

Please contact the Commencement Office for information (805) 756-5833.