Getting to Humboldt

Figure out how to get here, where to stay and eat, and what to do in and around Cal Poly Humboldt. Check out the comprehensive guide if you are traveling from out of the area. We look forward to seeing you!

Guest Tickets

Guest tickets to attend a Commencement ceremony are not required for entry at this point in time. For planning purposes, graduates will be asked to RSVP the number of guests attending as part of the graduate registration process. Registered guest counts will be considered in the planning process as capacity at the venue is limited. Accommodations for additional guests after registration closes may not be possible. All seating is first come, first served.

Things to Know

• 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 graduates and their families.
• Humboldt is smoke- and tobacco-free and smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Humboldt Campus.
• Dogs are not allowed in any campus buildings, 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 can be confiscated.
• Bring your own reusable water bottle as there will be hydration stations for guest use. Concessions will not be sold. 

Parking & Accessibility

Graduates and guests may park in all general lots on campus, but G11, G12, G13, G14, and G15 are recommended. Parking permits are not required on the day of Commencement on campus. 

The green lots shown on the event map are open for guest/general parking and the blue lots are recommended for ADA and shuttle access. No general vehicle traffic, parking or drop-off will be allowed past the barricades at 17th and Union Streets due to pedestrian safety. Please note: 17th Street will have single lane west bound traffic only on Commencement day due to shuttle access needs.

ADA parking is available in FS9 (the faculty/staff parking lot at the end of Rossow Street, between Gist Hall and Student Business Services). Shuttles for those with mobility limitations will run continuously from the FS9 and will drop off at the south entrance of the Kinesiology & Athletics building. The number of shuttles available is limited which may result in lengthy waits at the shuttle pick up and drop off locations. Guests may want to consider utilizing the accessible path of travel available through the Science building complex (please see campus ADA map for details). If guests do wish to utilize the shuttles, we encourage guests to plan to arrive at the pick-up location early. We do ask that the person with limited mobility and one guest ride the shuttle as shuttle service will be very limited. 

Once at the shuttle drop-off at the south entrance of the Kinesiology & Athletics building, guests who have difficulty walking can request a wheelchair escort. This service is provided free of charge. There are wheelchair/accessible seating areas on the first row of the east bleachers in Lumberjack Arena as well as the designated seating area on the arena floor. There is room for up to one guest to accompany the person in the wheelchair or who has a mobility limitation in these seating areas. Seating in these areas is first come, first served. 

American Sign Language Interpreters will provide in person interpretation at the ceremony, and they will be located near the stage on the east side. They will be interpreting the script with the exception of graudate names during the presentation of degrees. If a graduate or guest would like a name interpreted, there will be a request form near the interpreter's designated location. Graduates will need to be identified to the ASL Interpreter when the graduate is lined-up near the stage. Ushers are available to assist in this process.

The Center for Translation & Interpretation will be offering live in person simultaneous interpretation for Spanish speakers. They will have a table at the entrance to Lumberjack Arena where guests can check out devices before the ceremony. An item must be left with them for collateral (such as keys, ID, etc.). They ask that devices are returned immediately after the ceremony for further Commencement event usage. Devices will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Watch Online

The ceremony will be livestreamed so that families, friends, and the campus community can watch and help graduates celebrate their big moment. Live captioning will be provided on the livestream in English and in Spanish. The links to the livestream will be available on the day of the event on the Commencement website and humboldt.edu. Guests can simply click on the link to view (no registration needed).  A video will be available to watch online after the ceremony at commencement.humboldt.edu in the weeks following.

Photos

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

Commencement Flowers

Leis and other Commencement flowers from Haggerty Designs will be available for purchase. They offer local delivery or pick up options. Pre-sales are available and are recommended to ensure availability. The last day to pre-order is December 1. Limited supplies will also be available for purchase day of Commencement. 

Pre-Order Leis & Flowers