Contact: Aaron Lambert
amlamber@calpoly.edu

SAN LUIS OBISPO — As the Cal Poly campus fills with graduates, their supporters, family and friends this weekend, Cal Poly Public Safey wants the community to be aware of how to Go Safely.

Cal Poly’s commencement, set for June 14-15 in Alex G. Spanos Stadium, will bring thousands of people to campus to witness and celebrate graduates’ accomplishments.

The potential for accidents increases with so many visitors to campus and San Luis Obispo. However, with a little planning and preparation, everyone can safely be a part of their Mustang’s achievement.

The roads are shared by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians — all vying to arrive safely. Bicyclists and pedestrians need motorists to drive safely in order to keep non-drivers safe, and drivers need those around them to be vigilant and exercise care.

Roads and Parking

Commencement is one of the most popular events on campus each year, and as a result it’s going to be crowded. Follow these tips to help everyone remain safe:

• Wear comfortable shoes and get those steps in
• Stay hydrated
• If driving to campus, plan to carpool and arrive early
• Use Highland Drive to access the Commencement parking lots
• Commencement shuttles run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Leave electric scooters at home. Electric scooters, skateboards, one-wheels and other micro-mobility devices are prohibited on campus.

Knowing what parking lots and roads will be open is always a good idea.

Parking for commencement will be available in the H-1, H-12, H-14 and H-16 lots located on Highland Drive and Via Carta. View the event parking map online here. 

Participants, supporters and guests are encouraged to use the Highland Drive entrance to access campus parking. Shuttle services will be provided from all commencement lots to Alex G. Spanos Stadium from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mobility Impaired Parking with shuttle service to Spanos Stadium will be available in the Grand Avenue Parking Structure.  ​Some parking tips for those with mobility issues:

• Valid Americans with Disabilities Act placards are required to use the designated ADA spaces in the mobility impaired parking areas. An ADA placard is not required to access the general mobility impaired parking areas in Grand Avenue structure, H-2A and C-7 lots.
• A shuttle for the mobility impaired will be available. Due to shuttle capacity, shuttles will be limited to guests with mobility impairments and one companion.

California Boulevard, Cuesta and College avenues, and South Perimeter Road will be closed to through traffic June 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The designated ridesharing drop-off and pick-up location for commencement is the ASI Children’s Center Lot, C-2d.

SLO Transit and Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus services may have modified service on June 14 and 15.

Additional Help

More information about commencement, including the schedule, can be found on the commencement webpage.

To inform and encourage faculty, students and staff to get around campus safely and promote a safety culture, Cal Poly Public Safety has partnered with the California Office of Traffic Safety on a “Go Safely” campaign where the campus community can make informed choices.

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About Cal Poly Public Safety

Campus safety comes in many forms that all reside within Cal Poly Public Safety. Consisting of three departments — Cal Poly Police Department, Transportation and Parking Services and Department of Emergency Management — along with Business Services, Public Safety collaborates across the university to build a safer, more sustainable and better-prepared campus, in addition to a safe learning and living environment. Together, these departments provide vital parking and sustainable commuting options, progressive community policing services and comprehensive emergency management planning.

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About California Office of Traffic Safety

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) takes a leadership role in efforts to make California roadways safe for everyone using the transportation system. Through thoughtful, forward-thinking and data-driven selection of grants to local and state agencies, the OTS strives to reach the goal in which everyone will go safely on California roads. OTS success depends on strong partnerships. The office works with approximately 300 state and local agencies to make the most effective use of federal grant program funds. Additionally, it coordinates with traffic safety partners to track successful programs, encourage collaboration, develop new countermeasures and explore emerging trends. In addition to the many programs funded through these grants, the OTS team is committed to sharing the message of traffic safety. It accomplishes this through public awareness campaigns promoting safe driving habits. Its team proudly represents California as a leader in traffic safety efforts at the local, state and national levels.