Stole Ceremonies

Stole ceremonies honor the accomplishments and experiences of Cal State Monterey Bay graduates from historically underrepresented communities.

Stole ceremonies are voluntary and open to all graduating students who would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. For specific information about this year’s ceremonies, visit the Otter Cross Cultural Center's Affinity Ceremonies page.

There are nine Cal State Monterey Bay stole ceremonies for graduating students:

• Asian Pacific Islander Desi American

• Black/African heritage

• Chicanx/Latinx

• Family friendly students with children

• Native American

• Students with disabilities

• Rainbow LGBTQ+

• Undocu-Otters undocumented students

• Veterans U.S. Armed Forces

These celebrations offer keynote speakers, performances and cultural celebrations separate from Cal State Monterey Bay Commencement. Participation is free and graduates may register for each stole ceremony they identify with.

Graduates who register for a stole ceremony will receive a stole and a certificate for completing their participation.

Registering for Commencement does not automatically register graduates for stole ceremonies. Registering for stole ceremonies does not automatically register graduates for Commencement.