The Spring 2023 Regional Commencement Ceremony was designed to help more families and friends from Southern California celebrate the moment with their graduate. Overall, 1,979 students will earn credentials, undergraduate and graduate degrees in the 2022-23 academic year, and more than 1,151 are registered to participate in the ceremonies. The annual event brings thousands of guests to campus.
(Times and receptions, cultural celebrations, and parking info below.)
Commencement at Cal Poly Humboldt
Campus Ceremony
Saturday, May 13 at Redwood Bowl (w/livestream). Ceremonies will last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- 9 a.m. - College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
- Noon - College of Natural Resources & Sciences
- 3 p.m. - College of Professional Studies
Alumni Speaker (On-Campus Ceremonies)
An advocate for Tribal sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and Cal Poly Humboldt, Jason Ramos ('98, Kinesiology, '14 M.S. Kinesiology) is a Tribal council member for Blue Lake Rancheria , liaison for matters of education, energy, and economic development, and Tribal Administrator. He is also a Distinguished Alumni.
Honorary Degree Presentation (9 a.m. ceremony only)
Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to award local advocate and health worker Jorge Matias an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at this year’s College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13. He is one of only 14 individuals in the University's history to receive the honor. (Read more.)
Academic Colleges Receptions
The Deans and departments of the Colleges of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Resources & Sciences, and Professional Studies invite you to Spring College Commencement Receptions to honor and celebrate the graduates and their families. Meet the faculty and enjoy light refreshments.
- College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
Balabanis Art Quad; immediately following the Ceremony
Contact: Sandra.Brekke@humboldt.edu
- College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Balabanis Art Quad; immediately following the Ceremony
Contact: Arlene.Wynn@humboldt.edu
- College of Professional Studies
Balabanis Art Quad; immediately following the Ceremony
Contact: Jean.Thomson@humboldt.edu
Cultural Graduation Celebrations
Thursday, May 11
- Native Graduation Celebration
6 – 8 p.m.
Van Duzer Theatre & Balabanis Art Quad
Contact: Sasheen.Raymond@humboldt.edu
- Queer Graduation Celebration
4 – 6 p.m.
Great Hall (College Creek Community Center, Rm 260)
Contact: Frank.Herrera@humboldt.edu
Friday, May 12
- Asian, Desi, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and North African (ADPI+MENA) Graduation Celebration
4 – 6 p.m.
Goodwin Forum (Nelson Hall East, Rm 102)
Contact: Frank.Herrera@humboldt.edu
- Black Graduation Celebration
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Founders Hall Courtyard and Green and Gold Room
Contact: Douglas.Smith@humboldt.edu
- Latinx Graduation Celebration
6 – 8 p.m.
Lumberjack Arena (Kinesiology & Athletics Building)
Contact: Fernando.Paz@humboldt.edu
Regional Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 15
3 p.m.
The Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills
Alumni Speaker (Regional Ceremony)
Robin Smith (‘78, Nursing) is Board Chair of the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation. During her time at Humboldt, she was a member and co-captain of the Women's Swimming and Diving Team under Head Coach Betty Partain. Her early nursing background in Humboldt County includes working at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka as a Nursing Assistant, Graduate Nurse and Registered Nurse.
For full details, go to commencement.humboldt.edu.