Ceremonies will take place at the Redwood Bowl, where graduates from across the University will be recognized for their academic achievements. The day will feature keynote remarks, the conferral of degrees, and the traditional turning of tassels—marking both the culmination of students’ academic journeys and the beginning of what comes next.
The on-campus celebration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, followed by the College of Natural Resources & Sciences at noon, and the College of Professional Studies at 3:30 p.m.
During the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences program, alum Carla Shapreau (‘83, Special Major) will be honored with the Doctorate of Fine Arts for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, law, and cultural heritage. Her work includes locating and identifying a 316-year-old Stradivarius violin, an effort featured in the New York Times.
In addition, during the College of Natural Resources & Sciences ceremony, graduates will hear from this year’s Golden Graduates, alumni who graduated from Humboldt 50 years or more ago.
During the College of Professional Studies ceremony, Bailey Tara Schultz (‘26, Child Development & Family Relationships) was recognized as the Outstanding Student of the Year for her achievements in fostering inclusion for deaf students, developing an ASL curriculum, and strengthening ties with the local deaf community, significantly enhancing campus culture and accessibility.
Family members, friends, faculty, and staff are expected to gather in celebration as graduates cross the stage and are honored for their persistence, growth, and contributions to the Humboldt community.
In the days leading up to Commencement, the University will also host a series of cultural graduation celebrations designed to recognize and uplift the diverse communities that make up Cal Poly Humboldt. These events, taking place May 14-15, will provide space for students to celebrate their identities, achievements, and shared experiences.
Cultural celebrations, which are open to all, will include gatherings hosted by campus centers such as the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence, El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt, the Asian, Desi, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and North African Center, the Indian Tribal and Educational Personnel Program, and the Queer Center. More information about where the celebrations will be held is available on the Commencement website.
As graduates prepare to leave Humboldt, they will carry forward the knowledge, experiences, and connections shaped during their time on campus into careers, continued education, and communities around the world.
Commencement will mark both an ending and a beginning for the Class of 2026. It’s a moment to celebrate how far they’ve come and to look ahead to what’s next.
More Commencement Information
To ensure a smooth and stress-free Commencement, the University has established new guidelines for bags and entry. Any bag larger than 8.5 inches by 6 inches must be completely clear and made of materials like plastic, vinyl, or PVC. This means that backpacks, tote bags, large purses, and camera bags are not permitted.
However, small opaque wallets or clutches under the size limit are allowed. Medically necessary items, diaper bags, and strollers will be accommodated but will require inspection. To expedite entry, it's best to avoid bringing a bag if possible. For more details on these guidelines and prohibited items, please refer to the FAQ. For more information about clear bags, entry procedures, and prohibited or illegal items, see the Commencement website.
New graduates are encouraged to register for FREE with Forever Humboldt, the official association for the Cal Poly Humboldt community. Registered members receive ongoing Library access, special discounts at local businesses, access to career resources, special invites to Forever Humboldt events, and more. Get more information on the Forever Humboldt website.
Students are also encouraged to take the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility, a Commencement tradition that began at Humboldt in 1987 and has been used by more than 100 universities worldwide.
For more Information about accessibility accommodations for families and other general information about Commencement, visit commencement.humboldt.edu.