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 7. As we honor the Class of 2022, your participation is appreciated to make it a successful and meaningful celebration. Please see below for a list of ways you can participate.
Depending on your circumstances, complete the appropriate steps below by Sunday, March 6 (deadline extended) to register for Commencement.
- If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in spring 2022 and intend to participate in this year’s Commencement:
- Visit the Registrar’s website for detailed instructions on how to Apply for Graduation in PeopleSoft; and
- Complete this Microsoft form to provide information (e.g., accessibility needs of your guests).
- If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in summer 2022 or fall 2022 and intend to participate in this year’s Commencement (May 2022):
- Complete this Microsoft form to provide information (e.g., accessibility needs of your guests).
- You will complete the Apply for Graduation form with the Registrar in the semester
you intend to graduate. It is in your best interest to meet with a University Advisor
(Katie Hansen or Krystal Loera) prior to the semester in which you intend to graduate,
in order to ensure all requirements have been met.
- If you intend to complete all graduation requirement in summer 2022 or fall 2022 and intend to participate in next year’s Commencement (May 2023):
- Take no action at this time. You will be contacted in spring 2023 to register for Commencement.
- You will complete the Apply for Graduation form with the Registrar in the semester
you intend to graduate. It is in your best interest to meet with a University Advisor
(Katie Hansen or Krystal Loera) prior to the semester in which you intend to graduate,
in order to ensure all requirements have been met.
- If you intend to complete all graduation requirements after fall 2022:
- Take no action at this time. You will be contacted in spring 2023 to register for Commencement.
- You will complete the Apply for Graduation form with the Registrar in the semester you intend to graduate. It is in your best interest to meet with a University Advisor (Katie Hansen or Krystal Loera) prior to the semester in which you intend to graduate, in order to ensure all requirements have been met.
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 7, 11:00 a.m. Individuals who intend to participate in the ceremony are required to be at the campus on Friday, May 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Bodnar Field for a mandatory rehearsal. This is the only time when guest tickets will be distributed to graduates. Attendance at Commencement rehearsal is mandatory for all Commencement participants.
Cal Martime will provide a Commencement gown, hood, cap, and tassel to all graduates of the Master's degree program.
Graduate students may contact Kathleen Arnold, Graduate Program Coordinator, with any questions about their participation in and preparation for Commencement.
Click image of letter below to view .pdf version of congratulatory letter from Lucinda Lessley, MARAD Acting Maritime Administrator.
Join the academic deans and faculty on Friday, May 6 for receptions to honor the university’s 2022 graduates.
Major General Barrye L. Price, U.S. Army, Retired
President and CEO
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Graduating cadets are invited to submit a speech for consideration as the Senior Commencement Speech, as well as hear from the candidates.
Review the Commencement Speech Guidelines for more details on how to submit your speech for consideration.
- Deadline to submit proposed speeches: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28
- In-person auditions: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29 in Peachman
These meetings will cover all the necessary information for you and your guests to get ready for Commencement. Graduates are asked to attend in person to address any questions, but agendas and presentations will be posted here after the meetings.
Event Detail
The 2022 Cal Maritime Commencement will be held on May 7 outdoors on Bodnar field. No spacing requirements are necessary at this time relative to COVID-19. The campus anticipates approximately 3,000 in attendance and live streaming options will be available.
COVID-19 Regulatory Requirements
The California Department of Public Health restrictions for mega-events begins at 5,000 for indoor and 10,000 for outdoor events. Solano County continues to emulate State requirements, and the Solano County Director of Public Health approves our commencement plan as described below. For this reason, no foreseeable events at Cal Maritime require COVID-19 specific guidelines beyond the current campus standards.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Commencement 2022
- Masks are not required for those fully vaccinated, but are strongly encouraged for the unvaccinated. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the event entrance.
- Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms or are ill should not attend the event and are encouraged to participate by viewing the live stream.
- The venue is outdoors and shaded areas will be limited.
- Limit of four (4) guest tickets per graduate in the reserved seating area.
- Guest tickets will be provided to graduates at Commencement rehearsal on Friday, May 6 for distribution to guests.
- All guests must provide ticket to access the Commencement area (Bodnar Field) on May 7.
There are no exceptions for the quantity of guest ticket in the reserved seating area.
- Update: Pursuant to health and safety guiadance provided by the CDC, the State of California, and Solano County, additional seating for guests will be available in a non-reserved area behind the graduates.
Graduating seniors can get their photos taken by diFranco Photography. No appointments are necessary and there are no sitting fees associated with the photos. After the session, review the proofs online, then order and print! Representatives from Herff-Jones will also be available to order class rings and graduation announcements.
- Thursdsay, February 17, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., in Compass Room
If you were not able to make the February shoot for senior photos, there is another change in April. Even if you do not wish to purchase senior photos, please have your photo taken for the class photo, which will be composite of individual graduates’ photos.
- Tuesday, April 12, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., in Compass Room
Graduates requesting accommodations for themselves, including mobility assistance or an American Sign Language interpreter, should contact Siobhan Case with Accessibility & Disability Services by phone (707-654-1561) or email (scase@csum.edu) by April 1.
For information on disability accessinformation for guests, visit the Friends and Family section of the Commencement site.
Inspections of Salt and Pepper Uniforms will be held twice in the spring sesester to esnure all graduates have the correct components and it is sized properly.
- Wednesday, March 9 - Formation
- Wednesday, April 6 - Formation
If you are missing any components of your uniform, reach out to Irene Tjokro with the Keelhauler Shops by phone (707-654-1185) or email (itjokro@csum.edu) in time for your order to be placed and shipped.
Please update your home mailing address in PeopleSoft to ensure all graduation materials are received in a timely manner.
Please use #CalMaritimeGrad when posting on Social Media for all your commencement celebrations.