Guest Information
Fall 2025 Commencement
Friday, December 19 | Lumberjack Arena
Graduation is a major milestone, and Commencement is just around the corner! Join us in celebrating the graduates.
Ceremony Schedule
Graduates will participate in the ceremony associated with their major and college affiliation. The ceremony times have yet to be determined for Fall 2025 and times will be based on graduate registration and participation in each major. After registration closes on November 12, graduate and anticipated guest participation will be reviewed and the times will be determined and announced. Please plan for afternoon ceremonies.
Guest tickets to attend a commencement ceremony are not required for entry at this time. For planning purposes, graduates will be asked to RSVP the number of guests attending as part of the commencement registration process. Registered guest counts will be considered in the planning process as capacity at the venue is limited.
Getting to Cal Poly Humboldt
Planning your trip to Humboldt? We’ve got you covered! Explore how to get here, where to stay and eat, and what to do in and around Cal Poly Humboldt.
If you're traveling from outside the area, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Vistor Guide for helpful tips and local recommendations.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
Watch Online
Can't make it in person? Each ceremony will be livestreamed, allowing families, friends, and the campus community to celebrate alongside graduates from anywhere.
Live captioning will be provided in English and Spanish on the livestream. Links will be available on the day of the event on the commencement website and at humboldt.edu. No registration is required—just click and watch.
Recordings of each ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website in the weeks following the event.
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 commencement registration process. Registered guest counts will be considered in the planning process as capacity at each venue is limited. Accommodations for additional guests after registration closes may not be possible, so graduates are asked to be as accurate as possible when registering. All seating is first come, first served.
Accommodations
Accessible (ADA) parking is available in Lot FS9, located at the end of Rossow Street between Gist Hall and the Student Business Services building. Shuttles for guests with mobility-related access needs will run continuously between FS9 and the south entrance of the Kinesiology & Athletics Building. Please be aware that shuttle capacity is limited and may result in wait times. We encourage early arrival for those planning to use this service. Accessible pedestrian routes are also available; please refer to the campus ADA map for details.
To prioritize access for individuals with limited mobility, shuttle service will be provided only between FS9 and Lumberjack Arena for graduates and guests. Shuttles will not be available for receptions or other campus celebrations. We kindly ask that only the guest with mobility-related needs and one accompanying guest use the shuttle service to help ensure availability for those who need it most.
Wheelchair Escort Service
Guests with mobility-related needs may request a complimentary wheelchair escort from the shuttle drop-off location to a seat inside Lumberjack Arena.
Accessible seating is available on the first row of the east bleachers and in a designated area on the arena floor. Each guest using accessible seating may be accompanied by one companion. Seating in these areas is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
American Sign Language Interpretation
ASL interpreters will provide in-person interpretation from the stage during the Commencement ceremony. Reserved seating for guests who need ASL interpretation is located in the east bleachers near the stage.
Interpreters will sign all scripted portions of the ceremony, except for individual graduate names during the presentation of degrees. If a graduate or guest would like a specific name interpreted, a request form will be available near the interpreters’ designated area. Graduates requesting name interpretation should identify themselves to the interpreter when lining up near the stage. Ushers will be available to assist with this process.
Live Captioning
Live captioning will be provided in English and Spanish on the livestream. Links will be available on the day of the event at commencement website and humboldt.edu. No registration is required—just click and watch.
Spanish Interpretation
The Center for Translation & Interpretation will provide live, in-person simultaneous Spanish interpretation during the ceremony. Guests may check out interpretation devices at the table located near the entrance of Lumberjack Arena prior to the start of the event.
A personal item (e.g., keys, ID) must be left as collateral when borrowing a device. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis and should be returned immediately after the ceremony so they can be used for additional commencement events.
Parking & Venue Accessibility
Parking is available in all general lots on campus, but G11, G12, G13, G14, and G15 are recommended. Parking permits are not required on campus the day of Commencement.
The green lots shown on the Commencement event map are open to graduates, guests, and general parking. The blue lots are recommended for guests needing ADA parking or shuttle access. Please note that no general vehicle traffic, parking, or drop-offs will be allowed beyond the barricades at 17th and Union Streets due to pedestrian safety. On Commencement day, 17th Street will be restricted to a single westbound lane to accommodate shuttle service.
Accessible (ADA) parking is available in Lot FS9, located at the end of Rossow Street between Gist Hall and the Student Business Services building. Shuttles for guests with mobility-related access needs will run continuously between FS9 and the south entrance of the Kinesiology & Athletics Building. Please be aware that shuttle capacity is limited and may result in wait times. We encourage early arrival for those planning to use this service. Accessible pedestrian routes are also available; please refer to the campus ADA map for details.
To prioritize access for individuals with limited mobility, shuttle service will be provided only between FS9 and Lumberjack Arena for graduates and guests. Shuttles will not be available for receptions or other campus celebrations. We kindly ask that only the guest with mobility-related needs and one accompanying guest use the shuttle service to help ensure availability for those who need it most.
Things to Note
- 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 all graduates and their families.
- Humboldt is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on University grounds.
- Only service animals are allowed inside campus buildings—pets, including dogs, are not permitted.
- 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. There are hydration stations for graduate and guest use. Concessions will not be available at the event.
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.
Graduate Photos
GradImages photographers will be on hand to capture official graduation photos at all ceremonies. 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.