Maritime Commencement 2026

What to Expect at Commencement

Commencement at Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a special event for our entire community, including family and friends. To get ready for your campus visit, here are a few tips to help you be prepared and enjoy your time.

PLEASE ALLOW 45 MINUTES UPON ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS TO BE SEATED FOR THE CEREMONY.

• The Commissioning and Commencement ceremonies will be held at Bodnar Field, an outdoor, uncovered space on the Cal Poly Maritime Academy campus. 
• Vallejo typically experiences moderate weather year-round, with early May temperatures ranging from the mid-50s overnight to the low-70s during the day. Guests are encouraged to dress in layers, as mornings may be cool or foggy before skies clear and temperatures rise.
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended in the event of clear and sunny conditions.
• Reserved seating is available for ticketed guests, with the option to choose between the ceremony lawn and the bleachers. Standing-room viewing will be available for guests without a reserved seating ticket.
• In accordance with the CSU Policy on a Systemwide Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment (Executive Order 1108), Cal Poly Maritime Academy prohibits the use of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vapor devices and any other smoke-emitting products.

Parking

Parking permits are not required during Commencement weekend. Complimentary shuttles will run from all campus parking lots to Bodnar Field every 15 minutes, with convenient stops at Lots A, O, and E. Accessible parking for guests with blue or red placards is available in Lot G. Guests using ADA-designated spaces are welcome to use the shuttle service as needed.

Please review the campus map before arriving to ensure a smooth experience navigating campus.

Disability Access

Graduates requesting accommodations, including mobility assistance or American Sign Language interpretation, should contact DeAna Vides in Accessibility and Disability Services at 707-654-1561 or dvides@csum.edu by April 1.

Guests and graduates are encouraged to review the following information regarding available accommodations.

• 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.
• ADA 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 15 minutes from the furthest location to the 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: ASL interpretation may be available upon request for all ceremonies at the Bodnar Field. Guests who require ASL services or accessible seating should contact DeAna Vides in Accessibility and Disability Services at 707-654-1561 or dvides@csum.edu by April 1.
• Streaming Closed-Captions: There will be a live streaming closed-caption service available for the commissioning and commencement ceremonies.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited. Anyone found in possession of these items will be removed from the event.

• Fireworks and weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.).
• Alcohol and glass bottles.
• Outside food or beverages (factory-sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles are OK). All outside containers, regardless of their content, will be emptied upon arrival.
• Costumes.
• Stickers, flyers, banners, fan signs, large posters and any items that obscure the view of others or distract from the ceremony.
• Personalized, custom or decorative flags are prohibited.
• Balloons, balls, inflatables or frisbees.
• Laser pointers or devices.
• Air horns, whistles or megaphones.
• Paint pens, permanent markers, spray paint.
• Coolers.
• Lawn chairs, umbrellas and shade structures.

Zero Tolerance Policy

• Do not arrive intoxicated. Anyone intoxicated or perceived to be intoxicated will not be allowed into the ceremony.
• Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a smoke, vapor and tobacco-free campus. Tobacco, cannabis or smoking products are prohibited.
• The university takes violations of the Code of Conduct seriously during commencement. Appropriate disciplinary actions can and will be imposed for any behavior or actions that violate this code. Such violations will be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the university may impose sanctions accordingly. In addition to possibly being removed from participating in commencement, consequences may also include the withholding of your diploma, or other necessary sanctions.