Fall 2025 Commencement

Friday, December 19 | Lumberjack Arena

Graduation is a major milestone, and Commencement is just around the corner! Before you take your next steps, here’s what you need to know to prepare for the celebration.

A photo of a graduate with their diploma cover after crossing the stage.

New Clear Bag Guidelines & Entry Procedures for Fall Commencement

To help make Commencement day smooth and stress-free for everyone, the University is introducing new clear bag guidelines to help speed up entry and keep the event safe for graduates, families, and guests. These steps are becoming standard at universities and venues across the country for larger events. Before you head to the venue, take a quick look at what you can bring—and share the details with anyone joining you for the celebration.

Graduate Entry Procedure

When you get to the lineup area (West Gym – Recreation & Wellness Center 202):

Arrive at the West Gym (Recreation & Wellness Center 202) at least 45 minutes before your ceremony starts so you have plenty of time to check in and get settled.
Bring your black cap and black gown with you, but don’t put your gown on yet. You’ll carry it through the entry point.
As you enter, staff will do a quick, no-touch visual search to make sure no prohibited or illegal items are being brought in.
Once you’re through screening, you’ll be able to put on your gown and get ready to walk. Mirrors will be available in the West Gym so you can make final adjustments before the ceremony.
If you leave the West Gym after being screened, you’ll need to remove your gown and go through the no-touch visual search again before re-entering. This helps keep the lineup area secure and running smoothly.
Pick up your name card (be prepared to show your ID for verification) and assemble in the processional line by major. Keep your name card with you, you’ll hand it to the Stage Manager as you enter the stage so your name can be read aloud.

Clear Bag Guidelines

Bags larger than 8.5” x 6” must be completely clear (like a see-through plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag). Prohibited oversized bags include, but are not limited to:

Backpacks
Tote bags
Large purses
Camera bags

Accommodations will be made for medically necessary items, diaper bags, and strollers. These items will be subject to inspection.

Small opaque wallets or clutches smaller than 8.5” x 6” are permitted.

See the FAQ for more information about clear bags.

Commencement Registration

Graduate registration to participate in Fall 2025 Commencement has now closed. If you would still like to participate, please email us.

Email Us

Graduation vs. Commencement - Two different processes!

Graduation, which is the awarding of a degree, should not be confused with participation in Commencement. Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates your accomplishment and completion of a degree. Participating in a ceremony does not mean you have earned your degree. Some students are still in process while others have already completed their requirements.

To participate in a Fall or Spring Commencement ceremony, you must have applied for graduation in addition to registering for your specific commencement ceremony.

If you have questions whether you are on track to graduate and receive your degree, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@humboldt.edu.

If you have questions whether you have registered for Commencement, please contact the Commencement Coordinator at grad@humboldt.edu.

Regalia & Memorabilia

A black cap and a black gown are required to participate in a commencement ceremony. Caps, gowns, tassels, hoods, and more will be available to order online through Herff Jones from September 1 through October 24 until 8:59 p.m. PST. Online orders save $10 off their regalia purchase. Online orders can be shipped to a home address or picked up around December 1 at The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Store located on the second floor of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center building.

Missed the online deadline? Regalia packages and individual items will be available for purchase directly at The Campus Store's on campus location on the second floor of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center building after November 3. They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m weekdays.

The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) is offering cap and gown rentals. Please contact them for more details at ccat@humboldt.edu.

At Commencement, you can wear sashes, stoles, and cords over your black gown, if desired. These items serve as a keepsake to acknowledge your accomplishments and to remember your 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 to CCAT or The Campus Store.

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

Guest Tickets

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

Watch Online

Have guests that can’t attend 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.

Accommodations

Graduates in need of disability-related accommodations to participate in commencement will have the opportunity to share their needs during the commencement registration process. The Commencement Coordinator will collaborate with the Campus Disability Resource Center (CRDC) to arrange reasonable accommodations. Please note that some accommodations require several weeks to coordinate.

If you requested accommodations when registering to participate in Commencement, the Campus Disability Resource Center (CRDC) will follow up with you directly. If you would like to contact the Campus Disability Resource Center, they can be reached at (707) 826-4678 or sdrc@humboldt.edu.

If your guests require disability-related accommodations, you can include those details when registering for Commencement. Those that requested accommodations for their guests through the commencement registration process will receive further information to share with their guests about available accommodations closer to the event. Information about available accommodations is also posted on the Guest Information page.

Please contact grad@humboldt.edu if you have general questions about accommodations.

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.

Ceremony Overview

There are no rehearsals for graduates who participate in commencement. Please read the information below carefully to know what to do before, during, and after your ceremony.

Processional

The Mace Bearer and Student Marshals will lead graduates into the Commencement venue, followed by the Faculty Marshals, the general faculty and staff, and the Platform Party. Graduates will process in one single file line from the line-up area—please remain in line with your major and follow the person directly in front of you.

For the smooth flow of the ceremony, do not stop for photos or to greet family and friends along the route. Marshals and ushers will be stationed along the processional path to guide you to your assigned seating.

During The Ceremony

At the appropriate cue, you will be directed to exit your seat and line up near the stage, one row at a time.
You will pause at two designated locations for posed photos before proceeding to the stage entrance.
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 to receive your diploma cover. Pause briefly to face the photographer for an official photo.
After the photo, marshals and ushers will direct you to exit the stage and return to your seat.
For master’s candidates, you’ll receive additional instructions on how to hold your hood. You will be hooded on stage prior to receiving your diploma cover.
Once all graduates have been recognized, degrees will be conferred. You will be prompted to move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left—a symbolic gesture of your achievement. Please encourage your guests to stay for this celebratory moment.

Recessional

Following closing remarks, a musical cue will signal the start of the recessional. The Mace Bearer will lead the Platform Party, followed by the faculty, staff, and graduates out of the venue. Marshals and ushers will assist in guiding rows out in an orderly manner, one at a time. Once all graduates have exited, guests will be directed to exit their seats and venue.

Ceremony Etiquette

Show respect to fellow graduates, their guests, Commencement speakers, event staff, and faculty by:

Silencing cellphones and other devices.
If you choose to, decorating your black cap and black gown in a fun yet tasteful manner.
Remaining in line with your major to the seating area and staying in your designated seat during the ceremony.
Not bringing anything that could cause a distraction (toys, balloons, beach balls, etc.). Items that may disrupt the ceremony or others’ ability to view or hear the ceremony are prohibited and can be confiscated.
Once asked to line-up at the stage, leaving any personal items at your seat. Only your name reader card may accompany you. After crossing the stage and receiving your diploma cover, you will return to your original seat. Service animals that are trained to assist students with disabilities are welcome on stage.
Crossing the stage in a respectful, safe and professional manner, refraining from large outbursts, dancing or other actions that may disrupt the ceremony.
Staying for the entire ceremony. Each ceremony should last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Receiving Your Diploma

At the Commencement ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover when you cross the stage. Your official diploma will be mailed after your degree has been verified and awarded. It will be sent to the mailing address listed in your Student Center, so please ensure your information is up to date. For details on when to expect your diploma and how your name will appear on diplomas and transcripts, visit 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.

Congratulations! Remember to sign-up and stay connected through Forever Humboldt.

Event Map

Things to Note

In the event of an emergency, remain calm and listen for instructions from the stage.
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.
Bring your own reusable water bottle and encourage your guests to do the same as there are hydration stations available. Concessions will not be sold at the event.

Graduate Photos

GradImages photographers will be on hand to capture official graduation portraits. After each 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.

Pre-Order Grad Photos

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, notify the photographer and email grad@humboldt.edu.

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

Graduate Information