Graduate Information

Commencement for the Class of 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St., Salinas, California, 93906.

Student Assembly
Graduate Arrival Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Rabobank Stadium 

Commencement Ceremony
Ceremony begins at 10 a.m.
Gates open at 8 a.m. (two hours before the ceremony)
Location: Rodeo Arena

Commencement Festival
Noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Midway Rodeo Grounds

The ticket claim period will open on April 6th. Candidates must create an account with the third-party app, Tassel, to be able to claim tickets. Please check your campus email for information on how to create your Tassel account. Each candidate is eligible to claim a total of one graduate ticket and six guest tickets. The last day to claim tickets is May 1, 2026. Additional ticket information will be forthcoming.

• CSU Monterey Bay is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable Commencement ceremony for friends, family members and supporters to honor graduates as they receive their degrees
• Ticket requests may only be made by candidates
• Ticket distribution is electronic only. The number of tickets will be determined by the number of graduates and the venue capacity as determined by the State Fire Marshal in conjunction with CSUMB’s Risk Management Department
• Tickets for the May ceremony are for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 graduates only
• By order of the State Fire Marshal and for safety purposes, all attendees age two or older are required to have a ticket to enter the stadium
• Tickets are complimentary and may not be purchased or sold
• Any candidate who has extra tickets may share them with other participating candidates. However, the sale of Commencement tickets is expressly prohibited by the Student Conduct Code
• General Admission guest tickets may be exchanged for ADA Tickets on a 1:1 basis
• Any candidate requiring special accommodations to participate in commencement are invited to contact Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC)
• Any guests requiring special accommodations are to contact commencement@csumb.edu

In an effort to support students’ desire to be more sustainable and promote a zero waste event, Cal State Monterey Bay will be offering a free electronic Commencement program viewable on your iPhone, tablet or other personal device. 

For those graduates or attendees desiring a commemorative, keepsake program as a remembrance of the day, orders can be placed through our online store. Please note: candidates will be listed by their preferred name. Last day to place an order is June 16, 2026. Deliveries of the commemorative program will be by mid-July.

• Student Assembly area is at the Rabobank Stadium
• There is a graduate drop-off zone at the front of Parking Lot P. No graduate or guest parking is permitted in Lot P.
• Upon arrival, enter the Queue. 
• Be sure to print your Stage Pass and bring it with you. Also, download it to your wallet. 
• Graduating students are expected to arrive at the Rabobank Stadium at 8 a.m.
• Arrive dressed in complete regalia — cap, gown, tassel, etc.
• Stage Pass required for entry. Please be prepared to show and scan your Stage Pass. Make sure your phone is fully charged and screen brightness is all the way up.
• Bathrooms and mirrors available for last-minute touch-ups
• Graduates will receive directions from Commencement officials to prepare for, line up and walk in the procession from Rabobank Stadium to the Arena.
• The Campus Store will be on-hand for last-minute purchases. Graduates are highly advised to plan ahead. 

Expect heavy traffic. Be on time.

• Arrive early and follow all directional signage and instructions from any parking service personnel.
• Allow at least an extra 45 minutes for parking due to heavy traffic.

Commencement Parking

• Parking permits for guests are NOT required.
• There is no charge for parking.
• Parking is on a first come, first serve basis.
• There is no guest drop off area.
• There is a graduate drop off. It is located in Parking Lot P off Maryal Drive. No graduate or guest parking is permitted in this lot.
• Ridesharing drop off location is the circle drive in front of Sherwood Hall.
• Guest or student drop offs on North Main Street are strictly prohibited and subject to citation.

Directions to Commencement parking will be clearly marked, follow the directional parking signage to the Commencement parking lots.

View the Commencement Parking Map

Help Commencement keep its Gold Sustainability Rating:

• Carpooling and biking are encouraged.
• Sort your waste.
• No balloons.
• Donate your gown after the ceremony.

Need a Ride to Commencement?

• Let us know by completing this Transportation Survey.
• Click here to view the Commencement Shuttle Schedule

ADA parking

ADA parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis adjacent to Rodeo Arena in the Sherwoood Hall Parking Lot. A DMV-issued ADA placard is required for entrance into those parking lots.

ADA seating

ADA seating is available within the stands and floor of the Rodeo Arena. No additional ticket beyond a guest ticket is required. General Admission guest tickets may be exchanged for ADA Tickets on a 1:1 basis. ADA and companion seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.

ADA paths of travel

Access to the venues are ADA grade compliant. Distances from entrances to ADA seating and other locations are outlined below. Limited cart service for those with ADA or mobility issues is available on a first come, first serve basis from the ADA parking lots to the entrance gates of both facilities. No cart service is available within the facility beyond the front gate.

Distances:

Service animals

Service animals will be admitted as provided by law. Emotional support animals are not required to be admitted by law and will NOT be admitted.

Make a difference to future Otters and help Commencement 2025 be a zero-waste event by donating your graduation gown! Your generous donations will help support future Otters in celebrating one of the biggest achievements in their lives!

Immediately following the ceremony, find donation bins labeled "Basic Needs" at each exit gate in the Midway of the Salinas California Rodeo Arena. Please do not donate any gowns that are decorated.