Commencement Information for Cadets & Graduate Students
It is time to celebrate YOU and your accomplishments in this major life milestone!
Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 15th. As we honor the Class of 2021, your participation is appreciated to make it a successful and meaningful celebration. Please see below for a list of ways you can participate.
Please update your home mailing address in PeopleSoft to ensure all graduation materials are received in a timely manner.
- Senior Photos will be taken on campus in Rizza Auditorium on Friday, March 19th from 0900 till 1700. Virtual cadets living in SoCal may reach out to the same photographer (located in San Diego). See attached flyers for more information and pricing options.
- Class Ring or Graduation Announcements. You can look online at their products: https://www.herffjones.com/schools/college/04000630000/
- Interested in being your class speaker? Email us your draft speech by March 26th at studentaffairs@csum.edu. For those who want to be a part of the process of choosing your class speaker for Commencement Day be sure to sign up on the Commencement form below.
- Our next Commencement meeting will be in early April. Stay tuned for an invite.
- Uniform for Commencement Day will be Salt n Peppers. If you need items for this uniform, please reach out the Irene Tjokro in the Keelhauler Shop @ shops@csum.edu.
- Please register for graduation in PeopleSoft so the Registrar can certify your eligibility to participate in this year’s Commencement ceremony by MARCH 22nd. https://www.csum.edu/registrar/apply-for-graduation.html
We have faculty, staff, alumni, board and community members that are excited to celebrate your accomplishments!
- Limit of two (2) guest tickets per graduate (no exceptions and no walk-ups on the day of the event)
- Graduates will need to request their two (2) guest tickets via this form NO LATER THAN MAY 1. After May 1, the tickets are non-transferable and will no longer be available.
- All guests must provide ticket and/or proof of preregistration to access the Cal Maritime campus and the commencement area (Bodnar Field) on May 15, 2021 (no exceptions).
- Seating will be assigned with safe distancing and only members of the same household may sit together closer than 6 feet.
- All attendees must wear masks as per CDPH Face Coverings Guidance and maintain distance of at least 6 feet from other attendees at all times.
- Family members and attendees must abide by travel limitations as indicated within the current CDPH Travel Advisory.
- Persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 (e.g., due to age or underlying conditions) should be discouraged from attending.
- Individuals who are sick or in isolation or quarantine must remain at home.
- Individuals who are feeling ill, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, should not attend the graduation event.
- All guests will need to provide proof of COVID Vaccination OR Negative COVID TEST within 10 days of the event AND complete the Daily Health Screening on May 15th.
- All guests must provide ticket and/or proof of preregistration to access the Cal Maritime campus and the commencement area (Bodnar Field) on May 15, 2021 (no exceptions).
- If you or a guest require accommodations at the event, please contact Siobhan Case, Accessibility and Disability Services Office at 707-654-1561 or scase@csum.edu by May 1.
- Only service animals accompanying a guest at commencement are permitted but must be clearly identified. Comfort or emotional support animals are NOT allowed at commencement. If you have any questions, please contact the Siobhan Case, Accessibility and Disability Services Office at 707-654-1561. Guests who insist on bringing pets to the ceremonies will be asked to leave immediately. No exceptions will be made for graduates or guests.
- Please WEAR FLAT comfortable shoes due to the artificial turf and walk from parking to ceremony location.
- No food or beverages on the field. Water is ok and encouraged. No concessions will be available.
- The event is rain or shine. Please plan accordingly. Cooling stations will be available.
- Parking and shuttles will be available but limited. Access to the event location will be limited to pedestrians, shuttles, and emergency vehicles only.
- No large bags, strollers, or personal chairs. Any items may be monitored or checked by security.
- Please allow additional time and patience in your schedule for your arrival and departure as we will be letting people in and out of the event space in groups to ensure the safety of all.
- Keelhauler Shops has online ordering for your commemorative graduation items at com and will be available for pick-up on campus, May 15.
Congratulations! You have entered the homestretch in your graduate studies! Upon successful completion of all ten courses and your Capstone Committee's acceptance of your Capstone project, you will be eligible to walk the stage and be awarded your Master's degree diploma. Master's degree candidates will be formally hooded during Commencement in a ceremony conducted by the President, the Provost, and the Associate Provost. This will be an exciting event for everyone who is able to attend!
The commencement ceremony will be held at the California State University Maritime Academy campus in Vallejo on Saturday, May 15 at 11:00 am. Individuals who intend to participate in the ceremony are required to be at the campus on Friday, May 14 for a mandatory rehearsal, time to be announced. ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL IS MANDATORY FOR ALL COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPANTS.
Graduates are welcome to have up to two guests attend Commencement. Please note that it is typically very warm outdoors on graduation day and the regalia robes are heavy so please dress in layers.
Graduates may request their two (2) guest tickets via this form NO LATER THAN MAY 1. Please visit www.csum.edu/commencement for more information on guest tickets. All guests will need to provide proof of COVID Vaccination OR Negative COVID TEST within 10 days of the event AND complete the Daily Health Screening on May 15th. Only ticketed guests will be permitted entrance to the commencement ceremony. For the protection of all commencement participants and guests, please do not attempt to attend commencement without the required tickets.
Cal Maritime Will Provide:
- Rental of Master's Commencement Gown, Hood, Cap and Tassel.
- Two Guest Tickets for seating outdoors on Bodnar Field. Please see important information on this site concerning the requirements for reserving these.
Join us on May 15th as we celebrate Cal Maritime Class of 2021! If you are planning to attend, you must RSVP through this form by 3/30/21. Follow the event on Facebook now for updates and plan your watch parties with family and friends.
Please use #CalMaritimeGrad when posting on Social Media for all your commencement celebrations.
Use the #CalMaritimeGrad Toolkit to help celebrate wherever you are. Includes social media graphics, printable signs, and Zoom backgrounds!
Let the world know about your accomplishment. Send the customizable press release, along with a photo, to your hometown newspaper and earn some media coverage.