California State University Monterey Bay’s annual commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, May 21 for the graduating Class of 2023. The ceremonies will be held at Salinas Sports Complex.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Rabobank Stadium
Main Ceremony (All Colleges)
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Rodeo Arena
College of Business | College of Health Sciences and Human Services
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rabobank Stadium
College of Education | College of Science
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Graduate Arrival Location: Rodeo Arena
Commencement day has been broken down into three parts. It will begin with the all-otter commencement ceremony, then the three convocation ceremonies divided by colleges, and the commencement festival.
The Commencement Ceremony will begin at Rodeo Arena at 11:30 a.m.
This year’s commencement ceremony will also include a Commencement Festival for all attendees. The Commencement Festival will include food and beverages, photo opportunities, gifts, entertainment and a commemorative electronic photo mosaic art project.
The Commencement Festival will take place at The Midway (in front of Rodeo Arena) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for Commencement 2023 are electronic. Each candidate was able to claim one graduate ticket and up to six tickets for guests. The ticket claim period was between 10 a.m. Monday, April 3 to noon Monday, April 24.
Attendees are advised to expect heavy traffic and to arrive early and follow all directional signage and instructions from any parking service personnel.
Parking permits are NOT required for this year’s Commencement. Parking at the Salinas Sports Complex and nearby parking lots will be free and on a first come first serve basis. Carpooling and biking are encouraged.
If a faculty member or staff plans on attending a parking permit WILL be required.
Attendees should allot themselves an extra 45 minutes to find parking due to the heavy traffic.
Graduates need to be at the Salinas Sports Complex, dressed in complete regalia, two hours prior to the start of their ceremony. There will be snacks and beverages provided. The Campus Store will also be on-hand for last-minute purchases. Graduates are highly advised to not buy gowns on the morning of Commencement
The commencement ceremonies are all held outdoors regardless of weather. Attendees should arrive prepared both for heat and inclement weather. All bags, jackets and blankets will be searched upon arrival.
The 2023 Commencement is mask friendly – meaning that attendees can choose whether or not to wear a mask. Any attendance at campus-sponsored events is considered an agreement to abide by all COVID-19 protocols.
For more information:
Email: [email protected]