Opt-in Corps of Cadets Fact Sheet

The Corps of Cadets is a student-led leadership and lifestyle program that prepares cadets for challenging and exciting careers in maritime, logistics, and associated fields. Participation in the Corps of Cadets has no affiliation with the U.S. military and incurs no military obligations.  

The Corps of Cadets focuses on professionalism, confidence, teamwork, hands-on learning, and self-discipline, as cadets learn to become future leaders. Corps of Cadets student leaders guide their classmates through areas including proper uniform and grooming standards, personal conduct, and formation to instill values of honor and integrity.    

The Corps of Cadets, as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations governing state maritime academy training, requires students pursuing an unlimited U.S. Coast Guard license to complete a structured learning experience. Based on the applied learning requirements, students in the Mechanical Engineering and Facilities Engineering Technology degrees are also required to be members of the Corps of Cadets as part of their degree program.   

Students enrolled in the following majors can opt-in to the Corps of Cadets program within certain restrictions. All undergraduate students who are eligible to opt-in are welcome to enroll in the Corps of Cadets prior to the start of each semester, provided they have at least 60 units remaining for their degree completion. 

• International Business and Logistics  
• Global Studies and Maritime Affairs/International Strategy and Security   
• Oceanography  
• Mechanical Engineering*  

*Non-license track Mechanical Engineering students are required to participate in the Corps of Cadets until the successful completion of CRU 150, which is typically completed during their first year.  

• Facilities Engineering Technology*   

*Facilities Engineering Technology students are required to participate in the Corps of Cadets until the successful completion of CRU 150 and all plant operation courses (EPO 110, EPO 210, and EPO 310) which are typically completed in their junior year.  

• Transfer students in the above majors (excluding Mechanical Engineering and Facilities Engineering Technology) are eligible to opt-in to the Corps of Cadets before the start of their second semester at Cal Maritime.     

Students enrolled in a non-license track major as of the spring 2024 semester will need to decide if they will be continuing in the Corps of Cadets in the fall of 2024 on or before June 1, 2024. An online selection form will be distributed to all current cadets within these majors.   

Yes.  

• Traditional Cal Maritime students will follow a dress code for classroom attire which includes a Cal Maritime polo shirt, Cal Maritime jacket, and Cal Maritime black fleece pull-over. Students may wear solid-colored, plain black, brown, khaki or tan slacks, pants or trousers from a manufacturer of the student’s choice.
   

  Please be aware that in labs and in some areas of the campus, students are required to wear appropriate safety attire and protective footwear.  

   
• Members of the Corps of Cadets will adhere to the uniform and grooming standards, as outlined in the Cal Maritime Cadet Handbook.  

The purpose of a dress code for our traditional university students is multifaceted. It is to:   

• Create a sense of unity across the entire student body;  
• Allow for a meaningful shared experience among all students enrolled at Cal Maritime;  
• Maintain a common appearance that reflects the values, traditions and history of the institution;  
• Uphold Cal Maritime learning standards of personal accountability and responsibility;  
• Reduce opportunity for distractions in the learning environment where cadets and traditional students are learning together; and 
• Uphold the Cal Maritime brand, standards, and reputation that industry and future employers value in and expect of Cal Maritime graduates.  

The Director of Cadet Leadership and Development oversees uniform & grooming standards for the Corps of Cadets.  

 The Dean of Students oversees the student dress code as part of the Student Conduct process.  

Students participating in water-based university athletic and academic activities or programs, including any activities aboard the training ship and small boats, must complete a swim assessment upon entering Cal Maritime. 

All cadets in the Corps of Cadets are required to participate in the drug testing program. Additionally, traditional students enrolled or participating in designated courses or activities that involve machinery, welding, or vessel operations must participate in the university’s drug testing program. Courses requiring participation in the drug testing program will be outlined within each degree program. 

During the 2023-24 academic year, students majoring in disciplines that do not include a USCG license were required by their major departments to fulfill a professional development requirement whereas in years past those students would also have had responsibilities for watch. In the coming academic year (2024-25), we will continue to ask academic departments to set interim professional development requirements for those majors not pursuing a license. Also during the coming year, faculty will develop firm curricular policy on what—if any—professional development requirement will be in place for the non-license majors going forward.

Opt-In Response Form