Guest Information

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Before arriving on campus, we encourage graduates and guests to review the Commencement Event Map, which outlines parking locations, ceremony venues, accessible routes, and check-in and bag check areas. The map will help you know exactly where to go once you arrive and ensure a smooth event-day experience.

On-Campus Event Map (Coming Soon)

If you’re traveling from outside the area, be sure to check out our comprehensive visitor's page for travel tips, lodging options, dining recommendations, and local highlights.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

Can't make it in person? Each ceremony will be livestreamed, allowing families, friends, and the campus community to celebrate alongside graduates from anywhere.

Live captioning will be provided in English and Spanish on the livestream. Links will be available on the day of the event on the Commencement website and at humboldt.edu. No registration is required—just click and watch.

Recordings of each ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website in the weeks following the event.

Guest tickets to attend a Commencement ceremony are not required for entry. For planning purposes, graduates will be asked to RSVP the number of guests attending as part of the Commencement registration process. Registered guest counts are considered in the planning process as capacity at the venue is limited. Accommodations for additional guests after registration closes may not be possible, so graduates are asked to be as accurate as possible when registering. All seating is first come, first served.

To help make Commencement smooth and stress-free for everyone, the University is introducing new clear bag and entry guidelines to help speed up entry and keep the event safe for graduates, families, and guests at all venues. 

Clear Bag Guidelines

Bags larger than 8.5” x 6” must be completely clear (like a see-through plastic, vinyl, or PVC  bag). Prohibited oversized bags include, but are not limited to:

• Backpacks
• Tote bags
• Large purses
• Camera bags

Small opaque wallets or clutches smaller than 8.5” x 6” are permitted. Accommodations will be made for medically necessary items, diaper bags, and strollers. These items will be subject to inspection. It is recommended not to bring a bag, if possible, to expedite entry. 

Accommodations will be made for medically necessary items, diaper bags, and strollers. These items will be subject to inspection. 

See the FAQ for more information about clear bags, entry procedures, and prohibited or illegal items. 

Parking is available in all general lots on campus, but Lots G11, G12, G13, G14, and non-reserved sections of G15 are recommended. Parking permits are not required on campus on Commencement Day. 

The green lots shown on the Commencement event map (coming soon) are open to general parking. The blue lots are recommended for those needing accesible parking or shuttle access. Please note that no general vehicle traffic, parking, or drop-offs will be allowed beyond the barricades at 17th and Union Streets or past the corner of Laurel & B Streets due to pedestrian safety. On Commencement Day, 17th Street may be restricted to a single westbound lane to accommodate shuttle service. 

Accessible parking is available in Lot FS9, located at the end of Rossow Street between Gist Hall and the Student Business Services building, and in reserved sections of Lot G15, located at the corner of 14th and Union Streets. Vehicles with valid ADA placards or license plates may also park in any available ADA-designated parking space on campus. 

Shuttles for those with mobility-related access needs will run continuously between Lot FS9 and Lot G15 to the south entrance of Redwood Bowl in between the Recreation & Wellness Center and Forbes Gym. 

Please be aware that shuttle capacity is limited and may result in wait times. We encourage early arrival for those planning to use this service. Accessible pedestrian routes are also available. Please refer to the campus Disability Access map for details.

To prioritize access for individuals with limited mobility, shuttle service will be provided only between Lot FS9, Lot G15, and the drop off point at Redwood Bowl. Shuttles will not be available to take guests off route to receptions or other campus celebrations. We kindly ask that only the individual with mobility-related needs and one accompanying guest use the shuttle service to help ensure availability for those who need it most.

Graduates will notify the Commencement Coordinator of any guests who may need disability-related accommodations to attend Commencement. This information will be collected during Commencement registration. The Commencement Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Campus Disability Resource Center to arrange reasonable accommodations.

If your graduate requested accommodations for their guests during registration, your graduate will receive details about available accommodations closer to the event and will be asked to share that information with you.

Information about available accommodations is also listed below.

Accessibe Parking

Accessible parking is available in Lot FS9, located at the end of Rossow Street between Gist Hall and the Student Business Services building, and in sections of Lot G15, located at the corner of 14th and Union Streets. Guests with valid ADA placards or license plates may also park in any available ADA-designated parking space on campus. Parking permits are not required on campus on Commencement Day. 

Accessible Shuttle Service

Shuttles for guests with mobility-related access needs will run continuously between Lot FS9 and Lot G15 to south entrance of Redwood Bowl in between the Recreation & Wellness Center and Forbes Gym.

Please be aware that shuttle capacity is limited and may result in wait times. We encourage early arrival for those planning to use this service. Accessible pedestrian routes are also available; please refer to the campus Disability Access map for details.

To prioritize access for individuals with limited mobility, shuttle service will be provided only between Lot FS9 and Lot G15 and the ceremony venue drop off location for graduates and guests. Shuttles will not be available to take guests off route to receptions or other campus celebrations. We kindly ask that only the guest with mobility-related needs and one accompanying guest use the shuttle service to help ensure availability for those who need it most.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available on the first row of the east bleachers and in designated ground-level areas. Each guest using accessible seating may be accompanied by one companion. Seating in these areas is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wheelchair Escort Service

Guests with mobility-related needs may request a complimentary wheelchair escort from the shuttle drop-off location to a seat inside the venue as well as a wheelchair escort back to the shuttle after the ceremony. This service is provided free of charge.  

American Sign Language Interpretation

ASL interpreters will provide in-person interpretation near the stage during the Commencement ceremony. Seating for guests who need ASL interpretation will be reserved. Please ask an usher to assist you.

Interpreters will sign all scripted portions of the ceremony, except for individual graduate names during the presentation of degrees. If a graduate or guest would like a specific name interpreted, a request form will be available near the interpreters’ designated area. Graduates requesting name interpretation should identify themselves to the interpreter when lining up near the stage. Ushers will be available to assist with this process.

Spanish Interpretation

The Center for Translation & Interpretation will provide live, in-person simultaneous Spanish interpretation during the ceremony. Guests may check out interpretation devices at the table located near the entrances prior to the start of the event.

A personal item (e.g., keys, ID) must be left as collateral when borrowing a device. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis and should be returned immediately after the ceremony so they can be used for additional Commencement events.

Live Captioning

Live captioning will be provided in English and Spanish on the livestream. Links will be available on the day of the event at Commencement website and humboldt.edu. No registration is required—just click and watch.

• Commencement will be held rain or shine. Please be prepared for any weather. The main college ceremonies are held outdoors.
• In the event of an emergency, remain calm and listen for instructions from the stage.
• Please stay for the entire ceremony out of respect for graduates and their families.
• Humboldt is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on University grounds. The same restrictions apply at The Saban Theatre.
• Only service animals are allowed inside campus buildings and in Redwood Bowl—pets, including dogs, are not permitted.
• No outside liquids are allowed at the venue. Water and cups will be available inside and concessions will be sold.

GradImages photographers will be on hand to capture official graduation portraits. After each ceremony, participating graduates will be sent a link to preview their images. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Graduates can pre-register for Commencement photos and get 20% off.

Leis and other flowers from Haggerty Designs will be available for purchase for the on-campus ceremonies. They offer local delivery or pick-up options. Pre-sales are available and are recommended to ensure availability. The last day to pre-order is May 1. Limited supplies will also be available for purchase at the on-campus Commencement ceremonies. 

Pre-Order Leis & Flowers