Commencement Day Schedule and Program

The ticket claim period opens April 6 and closes May 1, 2026.

Graduates must create an account with the third-party app Tassel to claim tickets. Instructions will be sent to your campus email.

Each candidate may claim:

• One graduate ticket
• Six guest tickets

Additional ticket information will be shared as it becomes available.

Important Ticket Policies

• Tickets are electronic only
• Tickets are complimentary and may not be purchased or sold
• Only candidates may request tickets
• Tickets are available only to Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 graduates
• All attendees age 2 and older must have a ticket to enter the stadium
• Guest tickets may be exchanged for ADA tickets on a 1:1 basis
• Graduates may share extra tickets with other candidates; the sale of tickets is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code
• The total number of tickets is determined by venue capacity in coordination with the State Fire Marshal and university Risk Management

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable ceremony for graduates and their supporters.

In support of sustainability and our goal of a zero-waste event, Cal State Monterey Bay will provide a free electronic Commencement program accessible on phones and tablets.

Graduates and guests who would like a commemorative printed program may order one through the online store. Graduates will be listed by their preferred name.

• Last day to order: June 16, 2026
• Programs will be delivered by mid-July

The assembly area is located at Rabobank Stadium.

• Only graduates are permitted in the assembly area.
• Print your Stage Pass and download it to your mobile wallet.
• A Stage Pass is required for entry and will be scanned.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged and screen brightness is turned up.
• Bathrooms and mirrors are available for final preparations.
• Graduates will be directed by Commencement officials to line up and process to the arena.

A graduate drop-off area is located in Parking Lot P off Maryal Drive. No parking is permitted in Lot P.

Guests should proceed directly to the Rodeo Arena.

Expect heavy traffic. Please plan ahead and allow at least 45 extra minutes for parking.

• Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Parking permits are not required for guests.
• There is no guest drop-off area.
• Rideshare drop-off is at the circle drive in front of Sherwood Hall.
• Drop-offs on North Main Street are prohibited and subject to citation.
• Follow posted directional signage to Commencement parking areas.

Need Transportation Assistance?

Complete the Transportation Survey and review the Commencement Shuttle Schedule.

Help us maintain our Gold Sustainability Rating:

• Carpool or bike when possible.
• Use waste sorting stations throughout the venue.
• Balloons, confetti and glitter are not permitted.
• Donate your gown after the ceremony.

Donation bins labeled “Basic Needs” will be available at exit gates. Please do not donate decorated gowns.

Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine, with limited shade. Please prepare for warm weather or changing conditions.

All bags and personal items will be reviewed upon entry.

Seating

• First come, first served
• ADA and companion seating available (see below)

Bag Guidelines

• Clear bags or backpacks under 12” x 6” x 12” permitted
• Small non-clear bags limited to 4.5” x 8.5”
• Logo area must not exceed 4.5” x 3.4”

Items Not Permitted

For the safety and comfort of all guests, the following items are not allowed:

• Alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances
• Animals (except certified service dogs)
• Aerosol cans (including spray sunblock and hairspray)
• Artificial noisemakers, horns or instruments
• Balloons, confetti, glitter, streamers or rice
• Outside food or beverages
• Coolers, glass bottles or metal containers
• Professional camera equipment, tripods or drones
• Laser pointers
• Umbrellas, beach balls, sports equipment or toys
• Strollers or car seats
• Weapons or hazardous materials

Security and venue staff reserve the right to confiscate prohibited items.

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to accessibility for all attendees.

ADA Parking

Available adjacent to the Rodeo Arena in the Sherwood Hall parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. A DMV-issued ADA placard is required.

ADA Seating

ADA seating is available in both the grandstands and on the arena floor. General admission tickets may be exchanged on a one-to-one basis for ADA tickets. All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ADA Paths of Travel

All venues are ADA compliant. Limited cart service is available from ADA parking lots to venue entrances. Cart service is not available inside the venue.

Service Animals

Certified service animals are permitted as required by law. Emotional support animals are not permitted.