Frequently Asked Questions
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. We are so proud of you in reaching this important milestone!
General Information
We understand that commencement is an important part of the Cal Poly Pomona experience and we want to honor our student’s significant milestone. While the formal pomp and circumstance did not take place in May, we are working to create an experience that honors the commitment and sacrifice made by you and your family.
After listening to feedback from students, faculty and staff and inviting our graduates to participate in an online survey, we understand that the interest is still very high to hold an in-person event in either December 2020 or May 2021. Our goal is to announce new dates for the Class of 2020 during the Fall Semester so that you and your family can plan accordingly. We are still exploring a variety of options to properly manage the event and will continue to hold discussions with students to ensure that our plans reflect the significance of the occasion. The safety and wellbeing of our students and guests remain paramount, and we will work with LA County officials to ensure the activities meets the standards necessary for a safe physical distanced ceremony. We ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to find solutions during these unprecedented times.
Please note that commencement is NOT being cancelled. It is being postponed to a later date. Also, know that this decision will not affect the timing of degree completion. Degree conferral will be governed by the completion of the academic work for the relevant degree.
Complete a formstack form with current information through Alumni Affairs at:
Class of 2021 includes: Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021
Class of 2020 includes: Summer 2019, Fall 2019, and Spring 2020
The application for ECP is now open to students that meet certain criteria and will not be completing their graduation requirements at the end of the Spring 2021 Semester. Prior to applying, here are some things to keep in mind:
- If you have not enrolled in your final requirements for Summer, please do so before submitting the ECP application
- Prepare to list the specific courses and associated units that you have remaining to complete in Summer 2021
- If you report over 6 units then the application will require a justification to submit the form
- Honors are not recognized at Commencement for ECP students
- Fall 2021 graduation applicants are not eligible
- This is NOT an application for graduation. You need to have applied and paid the fee for Summer 2021 graduation, in addition to the ECP application and fee.
For additional information please view ECP (Early Commencement Participation) web page.
Due to the postponement of graduation ceremonies, the Bronco Bookstore's policy is to provide a full refund up to the start of the first ceremony for all unopened regalia items with a receipt.
The Bronco Bookstore is open online 24/7. The Bookstore offers ship-to-home services and in-store pick-up for your convenience.
If you select store pick-up, please go to the pick-up window located in the upstairs Bookstore atrium.
Window hours are from 10 am - 5 pm. Customers must wear masks.
Please visit Bronco Bookstore online and view our FAQ section for answers to the most common questions.
Graduation refers to the term in which you have officially and successfully completed all of your graduation requirements. You must apply for the term in which you plan to graduate through your Student Center in BroncoDirect. Once grades are posted, your record will be evaluated and if all requirements are met, your degree will be awarded.
The Commencement ceremony is often referred to as "Graduation," but in reality there is a difference. Commencement is a ceremony and celebration for students projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of spring semester, or those that completed the prior summer, fall or winter. You will not receive a diploma at the Commencement ceremony. Confirmation of degree completion will not take place until official grades are posted.
The Class of 2020 degrees are currently being conferred and diplomas are being ordered. You will receive an email from Michael Sutter Co., the e-mail will include information about your diploma and a complimentary eDiploma which is a gift from the Commencement Committee, to students who were registered to graduate at the May 2020 Commencement Ceremonies. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at diplomas@cpp.edu.
Diplomas are sent to the students' mailing addresses on file. Those to whom a degree has been awarded will receive a congratulatory email from the Registrar asking that they verify the accuracy of their mailing address. This notice will be sent to the Cal Poly Pomona email account.