Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2025, Spring and Summer 2026.

• March 13 - Students who apply to graduate by this date are guaranteed to participate in commencement (Fall 2025, Spring and Summer 2026).  Student name will be included in the program and applicable honors. 
• March 14 - Students who apply to graduate starting this date, may attend ceremony, but student name and honors will not be guaranteed in the program.
• March 24 - Ticket portal opens to RSVP to event, claim tickets if attending ceremony, confirm and pre-record name to be read at ceremony. Students will receive instructions to their CPP email in advance.
• April 17 - Ticket and RSVP portal closes (No longer guaranteed guest tickets and pre-recording student name to be read at ceremony).

Ticket portal is open March 24 - April 17, 2026.  After closure, pre-recording of name for ceremony is no longer available. 

Tickets are custom to each ceremony, and not reusable.

Graduates do not need a ticket.  They are only for family and friends 2 years or older.

Tickets will be assessed when portal closes on April 17.  If any become available students will be emailed to claim second round tickets, and it will be first come first serve. 

Graduation items will be available at Bronco Bookstore.  Undergrad and Master gowns are available while supplies last. 

All graduates must wear the approved CPP cap and gown with sash, hood (if applicable) and tassel assigned to your college or degree.  Other university gowns are not permitted.

• Carry your hood to check-in.
• After check-in proceed to Hooding Garden at Bldg. 1 lawn.
• Professional photos will be taken while you are hooded by your college faculty.
• Only students and faculty will be present in this area.
• After hooding you may proceed to student line-up
• Commencement staff will provide guidance.

Master students will attend same assigned ceremony with undergraduates. 

Professional photographers from Pro Pics will capture each graduate’s special moment during the ceremony. Graduates, please register at www.CPPphotos.com before your ceremony to receive your commencement photo proofs as soon as they are available. There is no cost to be photographed and no obligation to purchase. Questions? Contact Pro Pics at support@propicsusa.com.

Yes.  Cal Poly Pomona is committed to creating an environment where all members can thrive. As a student and soon-to-be graduate participating in commencement, students are expected to comply with all university policies, including the Student Code of Conduct.  

All graduates will be asked to acknowledge and confirm that they have read the Student Code of Conduct when they RSVP for their respective ceremony. Please be aware that if a graduating student violates any university policy, they may be asked to leave the commencement ceremony and could face disciplinary consequences, such as a delay in their degree or a note on their academic record.

No.  To ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, tickets are mandatory for attendance at all ceremonies.  The ticket portal will be accessible on March 24 to students who have applied to graduate.  Approved graduates will receive ticket information and instructions in advance. 

No.  This student group received a make-up ceremony opportunity in 2021 through 2023.

Students can email Bronco Advising Center (bac@cpp.edu) for any letter requests.

Clear bags will be required. They should be made of vinyl or plastic material, must not exceed 12” x 12” x 6” and should not have obscured interior pockets. Exceptions will be made only for:

• Purses, wallets, or bags that are 6” x 6” or smaller
• Medically necessary items, including diaper bags that accompany infants

All other backpacks, purses, camera bags, totes and carriers must be returned to the vehicle or left at home.

All bags are subject to search. Guests and graduates must go through security screening at ticketing entry points around the Commencement venue.

Review the complete list of Prohibited Items on Commencement website. Prohibited items include: alcohol, artificial noisemakers, balloons, confetti cannons, tripods and large photographic equipment, wagons and carts, and weapons.

Yes, each ceremony will be livestreamed.  Links will be shared on commencement video page the weekend of  ceremonies.

Ceremonies will be 90 mins or less.  Large ceremonies may take up to two hours (CLASS, ENGINEERING, and BUSINESS).

Every graduate will receive a program after they cross the stage. Guests will be able to access the event program through a QR code available at ticket entry points.