Commencement PSA Roundup: Eliminating Hazards, Biodegradable Confetti, Graduation Photo Sites
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, the staff at Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is transforming The University Quad from a spot of tranquil study to a colorful stage for the pomp and circumstance of Commencement at Cal Poly Pomona.
The team is not only entrusted to maintain the beauty of the location, but also the safety of the thousands of graduates and their guests. For months, the FP&M staff have been working diligently to get the outdoor space into pristine condition, completing routine maintenance and proactively addressing potential risks such as low tree branches and potholes.
Any hazards that are identified are placed on a list for repair or mitigation before Cal Poly Pomona hosts its most important event of the year. These monthly “safety walks” started in January and have continued right up until graduation.
“Not only are we making the university look its best for the big day, but we are also making sure that the safety of our guests is our top priority,” said Matthew Whinery, the senior associate vice president of FP&M. “We want everyone to have a memorable day at Commencement.”
The 12 graduation ceremonies will be held from May 16 to May 18 in The Quad. For details and more information, go the Commencement website.
Use Biodegradable Confetti
Families and friends celebrating the accomplishments of graduates are urged to use confetti made of biodegradable paper instead of the plastic variety that can be damaging to the environment and endanger wildlife.
Biodegradable paper decomposes and is more environmentally friendly. Mylar, glitter or plastic confetti is discouraged because the materials do not decompose and become litter.
The synthetic confetti also can enter storm drains and get carried to the ocean. Fish, birds and other animals could be endangered because the colorful bits of plastic can be mistaken for food.
Plastic confetti can also be difficult to clean up. The use of biodegradable confetti helps lighten the workload for Custodial and Landscape Services crews, which keep the University Quad looking pristine between ceremonies.
Scenic Spots for Photos
The gazebo at the Rose Garden has undergone repairs and received a fresh coat of paint just in time for the graduation photos.
Students have been undertaking the Rose Garden Restoration Senior Project that aims to repair the roof of the iconic gazebo. The project is being led by civil engineering Professor Dragos Andrei and “focuses on rehabilitating and revitalizing the Cal Poly Pomona Rose Garden by improving hardscaping and designing an improved gazebo.”
Another popular spot for photos sits near the entrance to The Park at 98: The 6-foot-high green and gold 六色网 letters, which have been recently refurbished and are set to be re-installed on Friday, May 2. Other locations across the campus that offer picturesque settings for graduation photos:
- Aratani Japanese Garden, especially the lower bridge that provides a lush backdrop.
- Bronco statue near Bronco Commons delivers a dose of school spirit.
- Overlook at the top of The Park at 98 gives a panoramic view of campus.
- The fountain, courtyard and arches at University Plaza (Old Stables) offers classic settings.
- Breezeway of the Student Services Building mixes the new and the iconic, especially with the Old Stables in the background.
- Rose Garden is a favorite spot. The best times for pictures are the early morning or late afternoon; the midday sun can be a challenge for photographers.
These sites and other spaces for graduation photos can be found on the interactive campus map.