Maritime Commencement Graduate Info
Your Path to Maritime Commencement
It’s time to celebrate you and your achievements as you approach this major milestone. We look forward to honoring your hard work, dedication and perseverance. Your participation helps make this celebration meaningful for you, your families and the campus community.
Below, you’ll find essential information to help you prepare for commencement, including steps for applying to graduate, key deadlines, and ways to take part in the ceremony.
Registration and Participation in Commencement
Maritime undergraduates, cadets, and graduates are encouraged to review the following information on participation, registration, and accommodations to prepare for this year’s ceremony.
Register for Commencement (Undergraduates)
Depending on your circumstances, complete the appropriate steps below by Sunday, March 1, to register for the May 2026 Maritime Commencement.
If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in spring 2026 and plan to participate in this year’s Commencement:
- Complete your graduation application by going to the Student Center - My Academics - Apply for Graduation. Indicate that you would like to graduate in Spring 2026.
- Please review this document for instructions on applying for Graduation.
If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in summer 2026 or fall 2026 and plan to participate in this year’s Commencement (May 2026):
- Complete your graduation application by going to the Student Center - My Academics - Apply for Graduation. Indicate that you would like to graduate in Spring 2026 (Your degree will still be posted in Summer or Fall 2026; the term when you complete your degree requirements).
- Please review this document for instructions on applying for Graduation.
If you intend to complete all graduation requirements in summer 2026 or fall 2026 and plan to participate in next year’s Commencement (May 2027):
Take no action at this time. You will be contacted in spring 2027 to register for Commencement
Participate in Commencement (Graduates)
Upon successful completion of all 10 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, provost, and associate provost.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy will provide cap, gown, hood, and tassel rentals for master’s students. All rented regalia must be returned to the University following the commencement ceremony.
Graduate students may contact the Graduate Program Director, Kathleen Arnold, with any questions about their participation in and preparation for Commencement.
Update Your Mailing Address
Before completing your degree, be sure to update your profile details in PeopleSoft with the following information to ensure all graduation materials are received on time.
Mailing address: where you would like your diploma sent.
Name: how you would like it to appear on your diploma.
Disability Access
Graduates requesting accommodations for themselves, including mobility assistance or an American Sign Language interpreter, should contact DeAna Vides with Accessibility and Disability Services by phone 707-654-1561 or email dvides@csum.edu by April 1. For information on disability access for students and guests at our ceremonies, visit the Maritime Commencement page.
Senior Meetings
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 afterward.
- First Senior Meeting: February 17, 2026
- Second Senior Meeting: March 26, 2026
- Third Senior Meeting: April 28, 2026
Maritime Commencement Attire
Attire for Cadets
The uniform for cadets will be "salt and peppers". Inspections of "salt and pepper" uniforms will be held twice during the spring semester to ensure that all graduates have the correct components and that they are appropriately sized.
- March 13 - Formation
- April 1 - Formation
- May 1 - Rehearsal
Merchant Marine officers and U.S. military officers should wear appropriate service uniforms.
Attire for Traditional Students and Graduate Students
The attire is the Maritime cap and gown for students who are not members of the Corps of Cadets and all graduate students.
Caps and gowns must be purchased through the official bookstore. Cal Poly Maritime Academy provides regalia rentals for master’s students only; all other graduates must purchase Maritime regalia to participate in the ceremony.
Regalia Guidelines
Stoles
- Approved stole designs to wear at commencement are available only through the Bookstore, and anyone can buy them, but only traditional students can wear them during the ceremony.
- Other items/adornments not permitted.
If you are missing any components of your uniform or have any questions about your regalia, reach out to the bookstore.
Regalia Sales, Senior Photos and Class Rings
GradFest: Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mayo Hall
- Graduating seniors will be able to preview and order the regalia. The deadline to order regalia is March 15, 2026.
- Graduating seniors can get their photos taken by GradImages. No appointments are necessary, and there are no sitting fees associated with the pictures. After the session, review the proofs online, then order and print.
- Representatives from Jostens will also be available to take orders for class rings and graduation announcements.
We are NOT able to schedule a make-up event for photos or regalia.
Find more information about commencement guest tickets, day-of logistics, accessibility, and more on the Maritime Commencement page.
