Affinity Ceremonies

Affinity Ceremonies honor the accomplishments and experiences of CSUMB graduates from historically underrepresented communities. The Affinity Ceremonies are voluntary and are open to all graduating students who would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

There are nine CSUMB Affinity Ceremonies for graduating students:

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA)
Black/African Heritage
Latiné
Family Friendly (students with children)
Native American
Students with Disabilities (SADE)
Rainbow (LGBTQ+)
Undocu-Otters (undocumented students)
Veterans (U.S. Armed Forces)

These celebrations offer keynote speakers, performances, and cultural celebrations in addition to CSUMB's Commencement. Participation is free and open to all graduated who are interested in participating.

Graduates who register for the Affinity Ceremonies will receive a stole and certificate upon completing their participation in that ceremony. Graduates who register but do not participate in the ceremony will not receive a stole and certificate.

Graduates should note that registering for Commencement does not automatically register them for the Affinity Ceremonies, nor does registering for the Affinity Ceremonies automatically register them for Commencement.

Affinity Ceremony	Date	Time	Location
Rainbow Affinity Ceremony	May 2, 2025	6 p.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Family Friendly Affinity Ceremony	May 3rd, 2025	11 a.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Undocu-Otter Affinity Ceremony	May 4, 2025	11 a.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Students with Disabilities Affinity Ceremony	May 7, 2025	6 p.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Veterans Affinity Ceremony	May 8, 2025	6 p.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Latiné Affinity Ceremony	May 9, 2025	5 p.m.	Rabobank Stadium, 1034 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906
Native American Affinity Ceremony	May 10, 2025	11 a.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi (APIDA) Affinity Ceremony	May 10, 2025	5 p.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom
Black/African Heritage Affinity Ceremony	May 13, 2025	6 p.m.	Otter Student Union, Ballroom

* Note that dates, times, and location are subject to change.

All information for Affinity Ceremonies are due by Sunday, April 6 at midnight. For questions, email the Otter Cross Cultural Center.

Volunteer at the 2025 Affinity Ceremonies

Whether you're a student, staff, or faculty member, there's a place for you at the Affinity Ceremonies. Sign up now to volunteer and join us in honoring the hard work and accomplishments of our amazing students by submitting the Volunteer Form by Wednesday, April 23rd. Feel free to include any family, partners, or friends in your guest count. We look forward to your participation.

Questions? Please email affinitygrads@otterstudentunion.org