Spring 2024 Commencement

Graduation is a huge milestone and Commencement celebrations are just around the corner. Before you move on to the next stage in life, here are instructions on what to do before, during, and after you participate in a Commencement ceremony.

Graduates will participate in the ceremony associated with their major and college affiliation.
Please arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of the specific ceremony for your major and proceed to the graduate check-in location to pick up your name reader card and assemble in the processional line.

Commencement Registration

Student registration portal for Spring 2024 Commencement is closed. If grads would still like to participate or change their registration from local to regional, please email grad@humbold.edu.

Regalia & Memorabilia

A black cap and a black gown are required to participate in a Commencement ceremony. Regalia packages and individual items are available for purchase directly at The Campus Store on the Arcata Plaza. They are open from 10:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends. If you have any questions regarding regalia orders, please contact The Campus Store at (707) 826-3741.

If you're eligible for and would like to purchase an honors cord, please contact The Campus Store directly to place your order by phone at (707) 826-3741 or stop by the Arcata Plaza location in person.

Graduating students can wear sashes, stoles, and cords over their black gown at Commencement, if they desire. These items serve as a keepsake to acknowledge their accomplishments and to remember their time at Cal Poly Humboldt but are not required for participation. Check out the Regalia page for more details.

Caps and gowns can be recycled for future grad use. Donations can be made after your ceremony at The Campus Store on the Arcata Plaza through the week after Commencement.

If you have any questions regarding regalia, please contact The Campus Store at (707) 826-3741.

Accommodations

Graduates in need of disability-related accommodations to participate in Commencement were asked to provide those details when registering for Commencement. Commencement is working together with the Campus Disability Resource Center to arrange reasonable accommodations at each of the off-campus venues. Students who require accommodation will be contacted directly with specific details. If you would like to contact the Campus Disability Resource Center, they can be reached at (707) 826-4678 or sdrc@humboldt.edu.

Available accommodations for guests will vary by venue and location. Please review the Guests Information page for more information.

Processional

The faculty will lead the staff and the graduates in, followed by the Platform Party. Graduates will file out in one single file line—you must stay in the line with your major. Please do not stop for photos or to talk with family and friends. Ushers will direct you to your seat.

During Ceremony

Following the cue, you will be directed to exit their seats and line up near the stage one row at a time.
When it is your turn, hand your name card to the stage manager, and cross the stage as your name is read.
Move to the floor marker on the stage in front of the podium and receive your diploma cover. Pause and face the photographer for a photo.
After the photo, ushers will direct you to exit the stage and return to your seat.
For master’s candidates, you will carry your hood in the processional on your arm. As you line up to go on stage, you’ll get instructions about how to hold your hood. You will be hooded on stage prior to receiving your diploma cover.
Following the reading of the graduate names, degrees will be conferred and you will be asked to switch your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left. Please ask your guests to stay for this celebratory moment.

Recessional

For all ceremonies, after the closing remarks, there will be a musical cue for the Platform Party to lead the faculty, staff and graduates out. Exiting will be prompted one row at a time by the ushers. Ushers will then direct guests when to depart.

Diploma

You will receive a diploma cover at the Commencement ceremony when you cross the stage. After your degree is verified and awarded, your official diploma will be mailed. Learn when to expect your diploma and your options for how your name is printed on Diplomas & Transcripts. If you have any questions about your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 707-826-4101 or records@humboldt.edu.

Guest Tickets

Guest tickets to attend a Commencement ceremony are not required for entry. For planning purposes, graduates were asked to RSVP the number of guests attending as part of the ceremony registration process. Registered guests counts were considered in the planning process as capacity at the off-campus locations is limited. Accommodations for additional guests may not be possible. All seating is first come, first served.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking and accessibility will vary by venue. Information for your specific location is below.

Humboldt Area Commencement

Please review the parking instructions provided by Blue Lake Sapphire Palace.
Please review the parking instructions provided by the Eureka Theater.
Please review the parking instructions provided by Eureka High School.

Regional Commencement

Please review the parking instructions provided by the Saban Theater.

Things to Remember

In the event of an emergency, remain calm and listen for instructions from the stage.
Please stay for the entire ceremony out of respect for your classmates and your families.
Venues are smoke- and tobacco-free and smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
Dogs are not allowed in venues, with the exception of service animals.
Confetti poppers and cannons are not allowed in the audience or graduate seating area as part of Humboldt's commitment to environmental sustainability and venue agreement. Anything that could cause a distraction (toys, balloons, beach balls, etc.) is prohibited and will be confiscated.
Graduates who require disability-related accommodations have provided those details when registering for Commencement and the Campus Disability Resource Center will be reaching out. The Campus Disability Resource Center can be reached at (707) 826-4678 or sdrc@humboldt.edu.

Photos

GradImages photographers will be on hand at the ceremony to capture official graduation photos as students cross the stage. After the ceremony, you’ll be sent a link to preview your images. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Graduates can pre-register for Commencement photos and get 20% off.

Graduates consent to having portraits and candid photos taken by Commencement photographers. Candid photos may be used in Humboldt publications, website, and social media. If you do not want to be photographed, please notify the photographer or an usher at the ceremony.

Congratulations! Remember to stay connected to campus through Forever Humboldt.

Graduate Information