The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility is a campus tradition that started at Humboldt in 1987 and has since spread to campuses around the world.

The Pledge is a personal vow to consider the social and environmental consequences of the decisions that we make after we acquire our degree here at Cal Poly Humboldt: 

“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

Basket of grad pledge ribbons

The Graduation Pledge is symbolized by a green satin ribbon. These ribbons are available to graduates on the day of commencement. Graduation Pledge staff hands out pins and pledge cards to graduates who wish to take the pledge in the West Gym before graduates enter the Redwood Bowl for the ceremony. 

Students holding up grad pledge ribbons