Cal Poly Pomona is celebrating the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 with drive-in commencement ceremonies. Registration to attend the ceremonies opens April 5 and will close on April 26 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
All Class of 2020 and 2021 graduates will receive an email on April 5 with instructions to register for the drive-in ceremony. Students who applied for early commencement participation should receive their email by April 9.
The university will hold 20 in-person, drive-in ceremonies from May 20 to 23 at Fairplex in Pomona. The university received approval from L.A. County for students to leave their vehicles and take a celebratory walk across the stage during the ceremonies.
After the graduates exit their vehicles, they’ll be directed to form a socially distanced line leading toward the stage. They’ll have the chance to pose for a photo opportunity before crossing the stage, exiting at the front of the stage and being directed back inside their vehicles.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our students and celebrating their accomplishments,” said commencement coordinator Theresa Navar-Rodriguez. “One of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic is maintaining that connection with the campus. Our students’ resilience, creativity and achievements deserve recognition. We’ve been working closely with the county public health to plan an event that will be memorable, joyful and safe.”
Registration for the drive-in event is required by state public health guidelines. Late registrations and “walk-ins” will not be allowed. After registration closes, the commencement schedule may be updated to meet occupancy and space limitations at the venue.
Due to social distancing guidelines, the ceremony will not include the hooding of master’s and doctoral candidates. Graduates are encouraged to hold hooding ceremonies at home.
The Grad Pass, essentially the ticket, will be available between May 3 to May 14. Graduates must log into the system during that time to download their grad pass.
“Graduates will get a grad pass QR code, which is basically your admission ticket to commencement,” Navar-Rodriguez said. “Save it to your phone or print it out. Treat it like a concert ticket, and don’t share it with anyone else because it can only be scanned one time at the gate.”
In addition to the drive-in events, the university will hold virtual ceremonies for all 2020 and 2021 graduates on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30.
Visit the Commencement website for the schedule (subject to change) and FAQs. Individuals who have barriers in registering online should email commencement@cpp.edu.