Commencement Information for Friends and Family
Calling all parents, family members, alumni, industry partners, community members and friends…
As we honor the Class of 2023, your participation is appreciated to make it a successful and meaningful celebration. Please see below for a list of ways you can participate.
Commencement at Cal Martime is a special event for our entire community, including family and friends. To get ready for your visit to campus, here are few tips to make sure you are prepared and can enjoy your time.
PLEASE ALLOW 60-MINUTES UPON ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS TO SHUTTLE OVER TO THE FIELD AND BE SEATED FOR THE CEREMONY.
- The Commissioning and Commencement ceremonies are both held at Bodnar Field, an outdoor and uncovered athletic field on the Cal Maritime campus.
- Vallejo, CA has year-round moderate weather with temperatures between 50 (overnight low) and 73 (daytime high) degrees in early May. Be dressed in layers for a cool and possibly foggy start to the day with skies clearing and temperatures warming up over the morning hours.
- Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for guests, in the event of a clear and sunny day.
- Guests are asked to bring neither food nor glass containers to the Bodnar Field ceremonies.
- Consistent with the Policy on Systemwide Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment (Executive Order 1108), Cal Maritime prohibits the use of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and other “smoke” emanating products including e-cigarettes, vapor devices and other similar products.
Event Detail
The 2023 Cal Maritime Commencement will be held on May 6 outdoors on Bodnar field. No spacing requirements are necessary at this time relative to COVID-19. The campus anticipates approximately 1,600 in attendance and live streaming options will be available.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Commencement 2023
- 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.
Join the academic deans and faculty on Friday, May 5 1600-1700 on the waterfront for receptions to honor the university’s 2023 graduates.
- Limit of four (4) guest tickets per graduate in the reserved seating area on the field.
- Guest tickets will be provided to graduates at Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, May 5 for distribution to guests.
- All guests must provide ticket to access Bodnar Field on May 6. Additional family members are welcome to the bleachers for viewing.
- Livestream Link will be made available closer to the event.
There are no exceptions for the quantity of guest ticket in the reserved seating area.
Ally Cedeno
Founder & President of the Women Offshore Foundation
HR Supervisor, Transocean
- Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
Wheelchairs, scooters, and knee scooters are not available to borrow for the event, it is recommended that guests bring their personal wheelchairs or mobility aids. - Disabled Parking
Candidates or guests with disabled parking permits may park in any legal stall on campus. A courtesy shuttle is available to pick up guests at specified locations around campus. Please arrive early, as the shuttle buses take approximately 10 minutes from the furthest location to Bodnar Field. There will be signs identifying the shuttle locations. - Service Animals
Only service animals are allowed at commencement. Comfort animals, emotional support animals and pets are not allowed. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. - American Sign Language Interpreters
Interpreters will be on stage for each ceremony at Bodnar Field. The ASL interpreters will be on the right-hand side as you face the stage. Please contact the Accessibility & Disability Services office for additional information on seating for deaf guests. - Streaming Closed-Captions
There will be live streaming closed-caption service available for commencement.
If you have any questions or need more information about disability access, please contact Siobhan Case with Accessibility & Disability Services by phone (707-654-1561) or email (scase@csum.edu).
Commemorate the Class of 2023 celebration with a purchase from the Keelhauler Shops.