Diplomas on chairs

Calling all parents, family members, alumni, industry partners, community members and friends… 

Although we wish we could all celebrate together, due to COVID safety protocols, this year’s celebration is limited to the graduates only. The full ceremony will be live-streamed with captioning for family and friends to celebrate at home on Saturday, May 15. 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.

This is an opportunity to make our Cal Maritime Grads feel special during this continued time of uncertainty as they celebrate this major life milestone. Show your support by reaching out to them and sending a letter, cards, food, a cake, gift basket, whatever you can manage. Once you are matched, we will send you the name(s) and contact information for your graduate(s). Please try to have all surprises delivered by the celebration date of May 15th.

Sign up to adopt-a-grad

  • 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.

Join us online on May 15th as we celebrate Cal Maritime's Class of 2021! Follow the event on Facebook now for updates and plan your watch parties with family and friends.

Commencement Livestream

Please use #CalMaritimeGrad when posting on Social Media for all your commencement celebrations.

Commemorate the Class of 2021 celebration with a purchase from the Keelhauler Shops.

Keelhauler Shops

Use the #CalMaritimeGrad Toolkit to help celebrate wherever you are. Includes social media graphics, printable signs, and Zoom backgrounds!

Celebration Toolkit

Let the world know about your grad’s accomplishment. Send the customizable press release, along with a photo, to your hometown newspaper and earn some media coverage.

Download the customizable press release