Participation in Commencement Policy
1.00 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the protocol for participation in commencement.
This policy is deemed to be consistent with the University's commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in the Cal State Monterey Bay Founding Vision Statement and to its core values.
2.00 Commencement
Commencement is a celebration of the completions of a degree and/or credential program. Student participation in commencement does not confer the degree nor credential. Cal State Monterey Bay shall hold commencement during the month of May.
2.10 Student Participants
A student earning baccalaureate or graduate degree or a teaching credential is eligible to participate in one commencement ceremony when the degree or credential is earned either 1) the fall semester before the ceremony, 2) the spring semester of the ceremony, or 3) the summer semester after the ceremony.
Students whose degrees or credentials may be earned during the fall semester may not participate in commencement the spring before the degree is earned.
Student participation in the commencement ceremony is voluntary.
2.20 Faculty Participants
All Cal State Monterey Bay faculty are encouraged to participate in commencement ceremonies. Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony of their academic college, as it is a required work day.
2.30 Staff Participants
All Cal State Monterey Bay staff employees are encouraged to participate in commencement ceremonies. Staff who are classified as Management Personnel Plan (MPPs) are required to participate in commencement ceremonies, as it is a required work day.
3.00 Continuous Renewal
This policy shall be reviewed ten years from its effective date. This policy may be reviewed before that time as necessary.
s/ President Vanya Quiñones
Effective Date: April 16, 2025
Certification of Process
Reviewed by: Policy Facilitation Team, Office of the Registrar, Academic Leadership Team, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Administration & Finance, University Development, and Office of the President.