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 4. As we honor the Class of 2024, 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 3 (deadline extended) to register for Commencement.
- If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in spring 2024 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 2024 or fall 2024 and intend to participate in this year’s Commencement (May 2024):
- 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 2024 or fall 2024 and intend to participate in next year’s Commencement (May 2024):
- Take no action at this time. You will be contacted in spring 2024 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 2024:
- Take no action at this time. You will be contacted in spring 2024 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 4, 11:00 a.m. Individuals who intend to participate in the ceremony are required to be at the campus on Friday, May 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 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 Maritime will provide the rental of a Commencement gown, hood, cap, and tassel to all graduates of the Master's degree program.
Graduate students may contact Kathleen Arnold, Graduate Program Director, with any questions about their participation in and preparation for Commencement.
Join the academic deans and faculty on Friday, May 3 for receptions to honor the university’s 2024 graduates.
Check back for more information about our keynote speaker.
Graduating cadets are invited to submit a speech for consideration as the Senior Commencement Speech. Contact Student Affairs for more details about commencement speech guidelines or about how to submit your speech for consideration.
- Deadline to submit proposed speeches: TBD
- In-person auditions: Scheduled by Office of the Commandant
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 2024 Cal Maritime Commencement will be held on May 4 outdoors on the Quad.
- 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 3 for distribution to guests.
- All guests must provide ticket to access the Commencement area on May 4.
There are no exceptions for the quantity of guest ticket in the reserved seating area.
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.
- Dates for photos and class ring sales:
12PM - 5PM February 21, 2024 Compass Room
9AM - 4PM February 22, 2024 Compass Room
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.
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 (dvides@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 semester to esnure all graduates have the correct components and it is sized properly.
- Wednesday, Feb 21 - Formation
- Monday, April 8 - Formation
- Monday, April 22 - 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.
Congratulations on your graduation from Cal Maritime! To mark this major milestone, we encourage you to send a personalized news release to your local newspaper(s). Using the sample release here, create a customized news release about yourself, including major(s), academic honors, volunteer or internship experiences, study abroad trips, and/or plans for the future.
Please use #CalMaritimeGrad when posting on Social Media for all your commencement celebrations. Click here for our toolkit.