CSUMB Commencement planned for May 16

Cal State Monterey Bay will hold Commencement on May 16. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Salinas Sports Complex.

CSUMB will graduate nearly 2,400 students this year. A crowd of about 12,000 family members and supporters is expected to fill the stands at the main arena to cheer those receiving diplomas from the campus’s five colleges.

Local business leader Ted Balestreri, chairman and CEO of Cannery Row Company, will be recognized with an honorary doctorate during the event. He will appear via a pre-recorded video message.

"Commencement is always a special time when we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class and offer them well-wishes for their future endeavors," said CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones. "Our students have made the most of their experiences at Cal State Monterey Bay, and they have benefited from the strength of our Otter Raft. I like to remind them that they are Otters for Life, and they can always turn to their alma mater for support and to share their successes."

To elevate the festive spirit of the day, a midway area in front of the stadium will have food and music as well as CSUMB-branded merchandise, flowers and information on the benefits of joining the Alumni Association. 

To help navigate the venue and get the most out of the celebration, here are some details about the event.

Tickets

The last day to claim tickets is May 1. Graduates must create an account with the third-party app Tassel to claim tickets and should check their email accounts for instructions on how to do so. Each graduate is entitled to six tickets, which are electronic only, complimentary and cannot be purchased or sold. Attendees aged two or older are required to have a ticket to enter the stadium.

Plan your day

The day’s schedule will be as follows: 

• 8 a.m: Gates open, students assemble at Rabobank Stadium.
 
• 10 a.m: Commencement begins with the processional into the Rodeo Arena.
• Noon to 2 p.m: Graduates are released and there will be a festival on the midway of the rodeo grounds.

Parking

Traffic is expected to be heavy, so plan to arrive early. A graduate drop-off zone is located at the front of Parking Lot P off Maryal Drive. No graduate or guest parking is permitted in Lot P. On-site parking is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. A 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.

Shuttle

A complimentary park-and-ride shuttle service is available for graduates, guests, faculty and staff. A shuttle schedule is available online, 

Accessibility

ADA parking is available with a valid DMV-issued placard or license plate. Accessible seating is available in both the grandstands and designated floor sections. Accessible routes connect parking areas, entrances and seating locations. Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law.

For more details, visit the Commencement webpage.