Commencement

Tickets for Commencement 2023 are electronic. Each candidate can claim one graduate ticket and up to six tickets for guests. The ticket claim period is between 10 am Monday, April 3 to Noon Monday, April 24. 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 2022, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023 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
• There are specific tickets for each ceremony, and they are not interchangeable
• All tickets are clearly marked with the ceremony date and time
• Any candidate and attendee requiring special accommodations to participate in commencement are invited to contact Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC)

A rehearsal for participants will be held in May, date and time to be determined. 

Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023 will be held on Sunday, May 21, at Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St., Salinas, California, 93906.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Graduate Arrival Time: TBD
Location: Rabobank Stadium 

Main Ceremony - All Colleges
Ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Rodeo Arena

College of Business | College of Health Sciences and Human Services
Ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
Graduate Arrival Time: To be decided
Location: Rabobank Stadium

College of Education | College of Science
Ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
Graduate Arrival Time: TBD
Graduate Arrival Location: Rodeo Arena

Expect heavy traffic

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

Graduates need to be at the Salinas Sports Complex two hours prior to the start of their ceremony. Allow at least an extra 45 minutes for parking due to heavy traffic. 

Commencement parking for graduates

Commencement parking permit required. These are only provided to graduates with their Commencement tickets. No other parking permits are valid in the Commencement parking lot. 

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

Be sustainability minded

Carpooling and biking encouraged. 

Faculty and staff parking

Faculty and staff parking permit required. Allow extra time for heavy traffic.

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.

• Graduating students should assemble at least two hours before the ceremony starts
• Arrive dressed in complete regalia — cap, gown, tassel, etc
• Bathrooms and mirrors available for last-minute touch-ups
• Complimentary light snacks and beverages will be provided
• Graduates will receive directions from Commencement officials
• 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

• All Commencement ceremonies are held outdoors, rain or shine, with no shade — attendees should be prepared both for heat and inclement weather
• In support of CSUMB’s commitment to sustainability, three waste sorting bins will be provided for use by attendees
• Clear bags and backpacks under 14 by 14 by 6 inches are allowed
• Non-clear bags are limited and not to exceed 5 by 9 by 2 inches 
  • Please note: On a case-by-case basis, security may make exceptions to the Clear Bag Policy for parents of babies/toddlers with diaper bags, breastfeeding mothers and those with documented medical needs
• Any items deemed by Commencement staff to be inappropriate, offensive or potentially hazardous may be confiscated

The following are not permitted:

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

• At the college ceremonies, candidates for degrees and credentials will be recognized individually by being called to the platform.
• Each candidate’s name will be read from a card that candidates will find on their seats.
• Cards should be filled out as soon as the attendees arrive at their seats and prior to crossing the stage.
• Hands should be free and clear while crossing the stage as there will be handshakes.
• Sunglasses should be removed prior to crossing the stage.
• Photo opportunities available before and on stage.
• Master's degree students: please advance to the stage with your hood folder over your right arm. Once on stage, you will be hooded by a faculty member from your program. 

• ADA graduates' guests, family members and supporters will have ADA seats 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 for those attendees and/or vehicles with state-issued ADA placards. Follow the directional parking signage to the ADA Parking. 

ADA tickets

ADA tickets may be obtained by the graduate for their attendees. A general admission ticket must be exchanged for an ADA ticket. Each ADA ticket allows for a maximum of two caregivers to sit on either side of the graduate in the ADA seating area.

ADA paths of travel

All access to the venues are ADA grade compliant.

Distances from entrances to ADA seating to be determined.

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. 

Please check back for information

More information on social media supporting Commencement will be forthcoming.