Commencement

Commencement for the Class of 2025 will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 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

Tickets for Commencement 2025 are electronic. Each candidate can claim one graduate ticket and up to six tickets for guests. The ticket claim period will be announced after the spring semester begins, so check back then. Information on how to claim tickets is forthcoming. We will send additional information on parking and Commencement day activities closer to the event. Graduates will be informed if more tickets become available.

• 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 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 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

Rehearsal Information 

For the convenience of all graduates who are interested in participating in the Commencement Rehearsal. Rehearsal is not mandatory, however it is HIGHLY recommended:

Friday, May 16, 2025
1 p.m. 
Meet at the Rabobank Stadium Gate off of Maryal Drive

• Student Assembly area is at the Rabobank Stadium
• Graduating students are expected to arrive at the Rabobank Stadium at 8 a.m.
• Arrive dressed in complete regalia — cap, gown, tassel, etc.
• Graduate ticket required upon entry. Please be prepared to show and scan your graduate ticket (gold)
• 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 and not buy gowns on the morning of Commencement

Commencement Shuttle Service 

Arrive early and follow all directional signage and instructions from any parking service personnel.

Graduates are expected to arrive at the Rabobank Stadium at 8 a.m.  Allow at least an extra 45 minutes for parking due to heavy traffic. 

Commencement parking for graduates

Information on parking permits will be forthcoming. 

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

Be sustainability minded

Carpooling and biking are encouraged. 

ADA parking

ADA parking is available for faculty or vehicles with state-issued ADA placards. Spaces will be clearly marked. View our ADA webpage for more information.

Commencement Parking Map

• Students requiring accommodations should contact the Student Disability Center.
• Guests needing accommodations should contact commencement@csumb.edu
• ADA seating sections are located within the stands as well as on the floor of the Rodeo Arena.
• ADA seating sections are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• All guests over the age of two years old must have a ticket.
• Candidates are advised to make arrangements to meet their family and friends at a location outside the venue after the ceremony is concluded and after all students, faculty and the platform party have left the seating area.

ADA information

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. 

• Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine, with no shade — attendees should be prepared both for heat and inclement weather. Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis.
• In support of CSUMB’s commitment to sustainability, three waste sorting bins will be provided for use by attendees
• All bags, jackets and blankets will be reviewed upon entry.
• Signs and banners are discouraged. However, all signs or banners must be no larger than 22 inches by 28 inches (standard poster board size).
• Clear bags, fanny packs, and backpacks under 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Logo'd area not to exceed 4.5 by 3.4 inches. Non-clear bags are limited and not to exceed 4.5 by 8.5 inches.
• For your safety and comfort, as well as the safety and comfort of those around you, the following items are not allowed on the grounds, exhibit areas or rodeo arena. Any items deemed to be inappropriate, offensive or potentially hazardous by security, staff or facility management may be confiscated. 

The following are not permitted:

• Aerosol cans — e.g., sunblock, pepper spray, mace, hairspray, silly string, etc
• Alcohol, smoking, and tobacco products
• Animals — except approved certified service dogs
• Artificial noisemakers
• Balloons, glitter, rice, streamers and confetti
• Banners and Signs
• Cans or Glass Bottles & Personal Coolers
• Confetti, poppers or streamers
• Hard or soft-sided coolers of any kind
• Illegal substances, drugs or chemicals of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Metal, plastic or glass water bottles or containers of any kind
• Noisemakers, plastic horns, air horns, whistles or musical instruments of any kind
• Outside food and drinks
• Poles and sticks/staffs including but not limited to metal, plastic or wood
• Professional camera equipment, including but not limited to tripods, battery packs and large commercial video cameras
• Remote-controlled aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems or drones
• Skates, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards or bicycles
• Strollers or car seats
• Umbrellas, beach balls, frisbees, sports equipment and toys
• Video Cameras, Including Gopro type video Cameras
• Weapons or incendiary devices of any kind.

Make a difference to Future Otters and help Commencement be a Zero Waste Event. Please donate your Cap & Gown. Immediately following the ceremony, find donation bins labeled "Basic Needs" at each exit gate in the Midway located at the Salinas California Rodeo Arena.