Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs enhances the experiences of students both in and outside of the classroom by promoting personal wellness, intellectual development, and emotional growth. From Orientation through Commencement, the Division facilitates leadership and offers high-quality programs and services that foster an inclusive and diverse community.

The Edwards Leadership Development Program

The California State University Maritime Academy has undertaken a multi-year presidential initiative to create and to sustain the finest co-curricular leadership development program at any of the U.S. maritime academies.

The task force charged with this initiative has designed a Cadet Leadership Development Program that offers all students a common leadership foundation with optional honors achievement levels.

The Edwards Leadership Development Program at Cal Maritime is built on a “maritime model” embracing the history, tradition and importance of the seafaring chain of command, while promoting active participation in modern team management practices. The foundation of the program promotes a maritime leader who at all times “does good for the greater good.” The maritime leader is a “loyal shipmate,” who is ethical, responsive and goal-oriented, who strives for excellence, demonstrates integrity, and is confident, ever-learning, and adaptive.

The common foundation required of all graduates is delivered through a combination of academic courses, residential and off-campus programs, and participation in the Corps of Cadets. Honors levels of programming may be achieved through various pathways, such as additional academic coursework, athletics, Associated Students activities, and Corps of Cadets leadership positions.

The Edwards Leadership Development Program began in Fall 2014, and is required for all cadets. With their participation in this program, graduates of Cal Maritime will have a distinct leadership advantage in their careers and personal lives, and will be ready to meet leadership challenges today and into the future.

Corps of Cadets

The Corps of Cadets is what sets Cal Maritime apart from most other colleges and universities in the United States. Every Cal Maritime student is a cadet in the Corps, and is required to participate in Corps activities including participation in formations and inspections and abiding by standards of grooming, and standards of conduct.

The Corps functions as the most visible mechanism for the delivery of the widest range of direct leadership experience opportunities on campus. All Corps members develop positive and desirable leadership traits, such as bearing, discipline, initiative, integrity, justice, loyalty, reliability, responsibility, selflessness, and tact. Much is asked of every cadet at Cal Maritime, and the development of self-discipline is critical to the success of each man and woman in the Corps.

The Corps is directed by approximately 40 cadet officers appointed from the senior class by the President. The Corps Commander is the highest ranking cadet and works closely with the Corps Executive Officers, Corps Training and Academics Officer, Corps Administrative Officer and two Company Commanders. Every new cadet is placed in a division upon entry into Cal Maritime. The Division Commanders work closely with all cadets in developing professional, watchstanding, and leadership skills. These officers also work to ensure high morale, camaraderie and fellowship within their divisions.

Office of the Commandant

The Office of the Commandant is responsible for overseeing the Corps of Cadets. It is involved in many of the day-to-day activities of the Corps, in training Corps officers, overseeing watchstanding, and offering leadership instruction for all cadets.

Watchstanding

Watchstanding is an important element of leadership development and is essential for each cadet’s future success, whether at sea or ashore. Cadets stand watch either on the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR or on campus. As they develop their skills, cadets are placed in positions of increasing levels of responsibility. As their knowledge grows, they oversee and direct the actions of others during periods of watch.

Watches are scheduled in 4-hour blocks from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. daily, every day including weekends. Watches provide important learning experiences for cadets, and they also assist Cal Maritime in providing a high level of security and safety, both on campus and the ship.

Standards of Conduct

Another important element of leadership development is standards of conduct. All cadets are subject to rules and regulations that characterize the objectives set forth in the development of their leadership and professional skills. Cal Maritime’s conduct and discipline system is a vehicle for assessing a cadet’s aptitude for becoming a respected working professional.

The goal of the conduct system is to develop and reward positive personal characteristics and to modify incorrect behavior. Cadets receive demerits for inappropriate behavior and, those with excessive demerits, may be required to serve extra duty on Saturdays. Cadets who commit egregious breaches of conduct or who have consistent conduct problems may be subject to extra duty, probation, suspension or dismissal.

Cadets are required to wear uniforms to all academic functions and formations, and while standing watch. Inspections are conducted and grooming standards for both men and women are enforced.

Regulations also exist that forbid cheating, plagiarism, alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, theft, hazing and other conduct considered unbecoming of a member of the Corps.

Drug Testing

The Cal Maritime, as prescribed by 49 CFR Part 40 and amendments thereto, randomly administers drug tests to all cadets. Testing may also occur for reasonable cause, pre-employment, USCG licensing physical exams, follow-up testing, and for any marine casualty, accident, or serious incident. Additional testing for alcohol may also be undertaken during the training cruise.

Policy on Use of Alcohol and Drugs

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C.1145g), Cali Maritime prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs by cadets, faculty, and staff on its property, training vessels, or as part of any academy-sponsored activities.

This prohibition extends to any off-campus activities that are sponsored by the institution or any of its recognized clubs and organizations.

Cadets-in-training for a U.S. Coast Guard license are subject to additional federal regulations regarding alcohol and drug use, and are also required to participate in Cal Maritime’s random drug testing program.

For more information regarding these regulations and the standards of conduct, please refer to the student handbook and regulations governing the Corps of Cadets, or contact the Office of the Commandant at 707-654-1181.

Co-Curricular Activities

Cal Maritime offers a variety of co-curricular activities which strengthen and complement the objectives of leadership development. These activities and organizations provide leadership roles for students in preparing them for success upon graduation. Cadets can strengthen their leadership skills by participating in one or more of the following activities:

• Edwards Leadership Development Program (ELDP). The Edwards Leadership Development Program, funded in part by a generous gift of the Tom and Libby Edwards Family, provides the framework for the cadet’s common experience in Leadership Development. It is a comprehensive co-curricular program integrated with academic programming, which will prepare our cadets for leadership opportunities within the Corps of Cadets, and our graduates for fulfilling careers in the global maritime workforce.
• Associated Students of the California Maritime Academy (ASCMA). A student-elected Board of Directors governs the Association, providing board members and class officers ample leadership opportunities during the academic year. They use student funds to create and operate programs to benefit the campus community.
• Athletics. The academy sponsors nine intercollegiate athletic teams, including three - men’s and women’s basketball and men’s soccer - that are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the California Pacific Conference. Building teams and developing leaders has long been recognized as a critical element for successful athletic competition. Students can also participate in club sports and recreational activities. The Physical Education and Aquatics Center offers classes, work-out facilities, and an Olympic class pool.
• Academy clubs and organizations. Cal Maritime has a diverse variety of student clubs and organizations to broaden the educational experience of students within the campus, local, and regional community.
• Housing and Residence Life. Residential life is an important component of a cadet’s experience at Cal Maritime, and housing staff members strive to create a community atmosphere in each of our residence halls. Resident Housing Officers (RHOs) and Living, Learning, Community mentors (LLCMs) are trained student housing staff members who live in the residence halls, and lead cadets in their respective halls through social and community standards. RHOs and LLCMs are selected, based on demonstrated maturity, their willingness to commit to the health and welfare of a larger community, and their ability to maintain a comfortable and safe living environment in the residence halls and the training ship.
• Community outreach. Cal Maritime’s Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS) Center participates in many local community-development projects. Volunteer opportunities exist for cadets to help in community outreach programs, in local schools, and with non-profit organizations.

Campus Life and Student Services

Cal Maritime provides a range of co-curricular classroom experiences and services that encourage student learning and foster a sense of community. Students are challenged to support community standards within an environment where the principles of Dedication, Honor, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility and Trust are valued and affirmed. Student development programs and services enhance, support, and enrich the academic and training goals of the institution, and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice life skills, citizenship, leadership and wellness.

The purpose of student services and programs is to:

• assist students with identifying, clarifying and achieving personal education and life goals
• improve the quality of student life
• provide opportunities for students to participate in social, cultural, recreational, and community experiences
• enhance the campus learning environment
• improve student access and retention
• provide support services such as tutoring and special programs

Morrow Cove Student Center

The Morrow Cove Student Center building serves as a focal point for campus life. The Morrow Cove Café, Student Health and Wellness Center, Counseling Services, Office of the Dean of Student Development, Office of the Commandant, and student mail services are located in this facility.

Associated Students

Located in Mayo Hall, the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), a non-profit student-run corporation chartered with California’s Secretary of State, utilizes student funds to create and operate programs to benefit the student community. The Associated Students of the California Maritime Academy (ASCMA) fee is paid by all students.

A student Board of Directors, elected each year, governs the Association. The Board is comprised of a president, executive vice president, vice president of student affairs, chief of staff, and officers from each class. The Board meets throughout the fall and spring semesters.

ASCMA’s services and programs are designed to enrich campus life and to help support many campus organizations. ASCMA officers also serve as the elected representatives of students, and work to protect students’ rights.

The ASCMA sponsors a very diverse variety of events on and off campus under the direction of the Activities, Camaraderie, and Entertainment (ACE) coordinators and Adventure & Recreational Center (ARC) for the outdoor enthusiast. ACE events have included comedy nights, coffee houses, hypnotist shows, casino nights, trips to see plays in San Francisco and other Bay Area sporting events and concerts. For the outdoor enthusiast, ARC provides day & weekend hiking and camping trips, day ski trips, kayaking trips, free rental of outdoor equipment, Friday night rock climbing nights at local gyms, and much more. Student government fees allow ASCMA to provide these events to students for reduced or no charges.

Housing and Residential Life

It is the policy of Cal Maritime that students enrolled in its baccalaureate degree programs shall maintain residence on campus and participate in a meal plan. All undergraduate students are required to live on campus and purchase a meal plan as part of their educational experience at Cal Maritime. Decades of research and best practices in higher education support the added benefits of living on campus. Students who live on campus take and earn more credit hours, have higher GPAs and are more likely to graduate than their off campus counterparts.

Three traditional campus residence halls can accommodate 580 students, with many rooms having a beautiful view of the Carquinez Strait. In addition, the Training Ship Golden Bear is home to over 160 students during the academic year. Professional and paraprofessional staff members live in the residence halls and are available to assist students. The Housing and Residential Life staff coordinates an exciting program of educational seminars, social events, and recreational activities for residents each semester.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information on services provided through Housing & Residential Life.

Consideration for Off-Campus Housing Policy

Students may be exempted from living on-campus for a variety of reasons. Please refer to the Housing & Residential Life website for the most current policy.

Generally, off-campus privileges will be considered for the following:

• Age - Students who are 24 years of age or older on or prior to May 1st of the following year. Must submit a copy of a valid driver’s license or government ID.
• Military Service - Students who have served at least two years of continuous active military duty. Must provide a copy of your DD-14 papers or discharge papers.
• Maritime License - Students holding a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer maritime license. Must provide a copy of your license.
• Marital Status - Students who are married or head of household, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, and students who are domestic partners and can qualify according to Cal Maritime policy. Must provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
• 5th Year as Cal Maritime Resident Student - Students who have completed at least 7 semesters of residency on campus. Residency on the Cal Maritime campus is defined as having completed the housing license agreement, moved into the residence hall, picked up and returned room key at the appropriate times, properly completed room checkout, and attended mandatory floor meetings.
• Medical - Must provide current (within 1 year) documentation from an appropriate licensed medical professional describing all of the following: the student’s disability/medical condition, basis for diagnosis, how the disability/condition impacts student’s ability to live in on-campus housing and recommended accommodations. All medical petitions will be reviewed by the Off-Campus Housing Review Committee.
• Financial Hardship - Must have completed a FAFSA by appropriate date advertised by the Cal Maritime Office of Financial Aid. Must include a copy of your income tax return as well as other documents supporting your claim, and must have accepted all university aid offered, including loans. Must also fill out and submit with petition the budget worksheet. Must still have 20% unmet need. All financial hardship petitions will be reviewed by the Off-Campus Housing Review Committee.
• Lottery - Students that have been initially denied off-campus housing may submit a request in writing within 5 business days of their denial, to be placed into the lottery for off-campus housing. There will be at least two rounds of the lottery. Seniors will have first priority and all other students will have second priority. The petitions must be submitted prior to the April 1st deadline. Must have three semesters of residency on Cal Maritime campus, good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing, and have completed a minimum of 50 credit hours at time of application. Residency on the Cal Maritime campus is defined as having completed the housing license agreement, moved into the residence hall, picked up and returned room key at the appropriate times, properly completed room checkout, and attended mandatory floor meetings The lottery will take place in the middle of April. The approval for off-campus housing may come as late as the date of start of classes for the following academic year.

The off-campus housing approval offer must be accepted by submitting the Off-Campus Housing Acceptance agreement to the Office of Housing & Residential Life within 10 business days of the offer, or by July 1st, whichever is sooner. If acceptance is not timely, the off-campus approval will be revoked.

All students living off-campus are required to provide their living and mailing address, contact information, and landlord information to the Office of Housing & Residential Life at time of acceptance of the off-campus approval. Students are required to maintain current mailing, phone, and living address in the student online services area in PeopleSoft.

All students living off-campus are expected to follow and uphold Corps standards of conduct at all times. Students are expected to be good neighbors and citizens on- and off-campus. Failure to meet these expectations may result in revocation of permission and privilege of living off-campus and require the student to move into campus housing at the student’s expense.

Dining Services

Cal Maritime Dining Services is a hospitality organization dedicated to providing the campus community and guests with high quality food and services in a variety of settings. The striking new dining center has expansive waterfront views from its two stories and mezzanine level. The main floor and mezzanine are designed for student dining and are open 7 days a week. The service area features 6 stations offering healthy meals daily in an all-you-care-to-eat setting. The second floor can be divided into three conference rooms or function as one large meeting or banquet space. Meal service is not provided on holidays or weekends secured from watch, or during winter and spring breaks.

During the Training Ship Golden Bear cruise, Cal Maritime Dining Services provides all shipboard meals and services.

The Morrow Cove Café is an additional food service location to visit for morning coffee, lunch, and beverages and snacks throughout the day. The Café accepts Flex dollars. Closed in the afternoon, the café re-opens in the evening for expanded meals. It is located inside the Student Center building where one can catch up on email, relax in the common room and lounge, or sit outside on the patio overlooking the waterfront.

The Bistro is a café-concept offering a gourmet coffee program, lunch, and beverages and snacks not equivalent to the dining program. It is located in the Student Services Building. The Bistro accepts cash or credit cards, but unfortunately not Flex dollars.

Cal Maritime policy states that all campus resident students enrolled in its academic degree programs must participate in a meal plan available through Cal Maritime Dining Services. Dining Services offers four meal plans for resident students and one for off-campus students.

• The 19-Meal Plan provides the maximum number of meals available - breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Monday through Friday in the dining center or café, and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday in the dining center. In other words, a cadet may have a meal at each of the 19 serving sessions during which the dining center or café is open in a week. Unused meals for a week do not carry forward.
• The 15-Meal Plan provides the cadet a choice of eating at any 15 of the 19 serving sessions during which the dining center or café is open in a week. Unused meals for a week do not carry forward.
• The 15-Meal Flex Plan provides the cadet a choice of eating at any 15 of the 19 serving sessions during which the dining center or café is open in a week. It includes ‘flex dollars’ which can be used to purchase beverages, snacks, or even a full meal, for the student or a guest. Unused meals are erased at the end of each week. Flex dollars roll over from fall to spring semester but do not carry over year-to-year.
• The 10-Meal Flex Plan provides the cadet a choice of eating at any 10 of the 19 serving sessions during which the dining center or café is open in a week. It includes ‘flex dollars’ which can be used to purchase beverages, snacks, or even a full meal, for the student or a guest. Unused meals are erased at the end of each week. Flex dollars roll over from fall to spring semester but do not carry over year-to-year.
• The 35-Block Plan is available to off-campus students, faculty, and staff. This plan allows for 35 visits to the dining center (all-you-care-to-eat meals) or you can take advantage of the board meal equivalency option for lunches in the café. One meal will be subtracted from your starting balance for each meal that you redeem. The meals may roll over from fall to spring but do not carry over year-to-year. Please make purchases in multiples of 35 as needed. Flex dollars are not available on this plan.

Student Health and Wellness

The Student Health Center provides confidential, high quality, and easily accessible outpatient primary care services on campus to all Cal Maritime students. We favor an approach that uses health education to help students understand how to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.

Services are available:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Closed 1-2 p.m.)
(707) 654-1170

• An After-Hours Assistance Line is available for physical and mental health concerns (707-654-1170, ext. 1) offering confidential health care advice and information

Students are encouraged to utilize the Student Health Center for the majority of their health care needs. Same day appointments with a medical provider (nurse practitioner, physician, or physician assistant) are available as well as scheduled appointments. Common reasons for visits include physical examinations, men’s and women’s health consults, illness, injuries, and personal health concerns.

The Student Health Center also offers basic laboratory tests, many common prescription medications, and referrals to off-campus specialists as needed using students’ insurance coverage. In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services within the Student Health Center provides confidential, short-term, mental health counseling with a licensed professional. Most services provided by the Student Health Center are at no or low cost. Students are financially responsible for services received outside the Student Health Center.

Medical Services

The Student Health Center provides the following  health care services to regularly enrolled students:

• primary care of medical conditions, illnesses, and injuries
• physical examinations, including pre-cruise and USCG physicals
• family planning services, excluding surgical procedures
• health education programs
• several common immunizations for the prevention and control of communicable diseases and referrals for immunizations not available at the Student Health Center
• evaluation and counseling for individual health problems (including screening and prevention)
• dispensing of many common non-prescription and prescription medications, at limited or no additional cost
• basic laboratory testing
• usage and maintenance of a confidential and secure electronic medical record system
• referrals to health care providers in the community for services beyond the scope of the Student Health Center (at the student’s own expense), including drug and alcohol-related concerns
• consultative services on health related issues on campus
• health care on the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR summer cruises

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Overview: CAPS is an integrated service within Student Health Services (SHS). CAPS has offices located within the Student Health Center and in Upper Residence Hall, as well as on the Training Ship Golden Bear as part of the medical team during summer cruises. The CAPS counselors report directly to the SHS Director. CAPS provides confidential, high quality, and accessible mental health services to all enrolled students. This includes assistance to students experiencing personal, educational, interpersonal/relationship, family, social, and other psychological difficulties. These services include individual and group counseling, consultation, assessment, crisis support, education, prevention, and outreach. There are no additional charges for counseling services. Consultation is available to faculty and staff who may have questions or concerns regarding students. While on campus or at sea, the care of certain illnesses, injuries, or conditions may require hospitalization or services beyond our scope of care. In these instances, CAPS assists students throughout the process of obtaining additional care.

Mission: CAPS believes that personal development and mental health are inherently connected to intellectual, academic, and professional success. Cal Maritime’s overarching mission is served by providing cadets with access to holistic health and wellness. CAPS strives to support this mission by delivering a variety of services for individuals and groups that promote personal growth, self-awareness, coping skills, support during times of crisis, professionalism, and a healthy campus environment. Moreover, CAPS supports a multicultural worldview that endeavors to work toward greater health equity for all students. CAPS counselors are dedicated to creating an open and welcoming environment that is safe and comfortable for all those whom we serve and with whom we interact.

Appointments: To make an appointment with a CAPS counselor call (707-654-1170) or visit SHS. Counseling sessions generally occur between 0800 and 1700, Monday through Friday, and are typically 45 minutes. Urgent Care Walk-In appointments are available M-F from 2:00-3:00 pm (no scheduled appointment needed). For assistance after hours, call the After-Hours Assistance Line (707-654-1170, ext. 1) to speak with a professional, confidential professional. More information is also available on the CAPS website.

Health Care Services at Sea

During annual training cruises, Health Services maintains and staffs the medical treatment facility (sick bay) onboard the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR (TSGB). This facility is staffed by a Chief Medical Officer (Physician) and a Medical Officer (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) to provide medical care. Typically a CAPS counselor joins the medical team on the TSGB and provides mental health services to cadets and crew. The medical team provides a daytime drop-in clinic while at sea and a short morning clinic while in port. In addition, 24-hour limited emergency medical care is available while at sea.

The training ship is equipped with basic lab, x-ray, medical supplies, and pharmaceuticals to support the majority of the health care needs of the students, staff, and faculty on cruise.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Due to the special nature of the educational experience at Cal Maritime, which typically includes international travel and/or a training cruise, students are required to be covered by health insurance. All matriculated Cal Maritime students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the school’s student health insurance plan unless they get a waiver approved for having their own similar coverage.  The online health insurance waiver is submitted annually by the designated deadline and subsequently reviewed for approval. Please see the Student Health Center website for more information including deadline dates on Cal Maritime’s health insurance requirement and to access the online health insurance waiver link at the Student Health Center.

While on campus or at sea, the treatment of certain illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions may require hospitalization or services beyond the scope of authorized services by Student Health Services. In such instances, a student will be referred to local health care services, at their own expense utilizing the student’s personal medical insurance.

Emergency Travel Assistance Services Requirement

All Cal Maritime students are required to enroll in emergency travel assistance services provided by On Call International. On Call International provides medical evacuation and repatriation services if a student becomes ill or injured anywhere that is more than 100 miles away from home or campus, including foreign travel. On Call International will arrange for and cover emergency medical transportation home, or to the nearest qualified regional hospital, as long as medically indicated. Students who enroll in the student insurance plan are automatically covered for travel assistance.

Students who waive out of the school’s health insurance plan will be charged the travel assistance group rate of $20 per semester. For more information on the emergency travel assistance services, please visit On Call International. 

For more information, please contact the Student Health Center by phone at 707-654-1170 or by email.

Academic Support Services

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Established at Cal Maritime in 2015, the Educational Opportunity Program provides academic, social, and financial support to students from low-income and historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students apply to EOP when they apply for admission to the university. For more information, visit the EOP website.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

The CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, or CSU-LSAMP, is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded program intended to support underrepresented students and others facing barriers to success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Participants must apply to the program annually in September. For more information, visit the LSAMP website.

Tutoring Services

Cal Maritime offers accessible academic support through tutoring designed to assist the student in becoming an independent learner. Tutoring support is available in many subject areas including math, writing, science, engineering, global studies, and marine transportation. Drop-in group tutoring is available; in addition, Supplemental Instruction (SI) in traditionally difficult courses and Targeted Learning Sessions (TLS) in critical path courses are offered each semester. For more information and tutoring schedules, visit the Tutoring Services website.

Disability Services

The Disability Services Office (DSO) is committed to supporting the academic success of Cal Maritime students who have documented disabilities. Support services and information resources are provided to individual students who self-identify. Students seeking accommodations should follow these steps to complete an application for assistance through the DSO:

1. Read the guidelines for documentation/verification of their disability. (Guidelines may differ according to disability.)
2. Submit an application for services with supporting verification documents to the DSO.
3. Schedule an intake appointment.

Instructions and forms are available at the Disability Services website.

Community Engagement and Service Learning

Community engagement and service-learning have existed within the CSU since the first campus opened in 1857. Through community engagement and reflective activities, students enhance and develop their civic responsibility, self-awareness, and leadership skills. Courses with embedded service-learning teach real world application of classroom theory and build a sense of community and shared values. For more information, visit the Community Engagement website.

Early Assessment Program

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) was established by the State Board of Education, Department of Education, and the CSU with the goal of allowing high school graduates to enter the CSU fully prepared to begin college-level work. The program works with local high school students, teachers, and administrators to achieve this goal. Cal Maritime students may choose to serve as mentors and academic tutors at local high schools through EAP.

Career Services

Career Services is responsible for assisting with graduate employment, Sea Training II coordination, and cooperative internships. Our staff is available to assist in résumé building, interview skills, career development workshops, and career advising.

Mission

Career Services seeks to complement the academic mission of Cal Maritime by educating and empowering students to take ownership of their professional development as a lifelong learner and to function successfully in a global society.

• In partnership with students and alumni, career services will facilitate career exploration, career decision-making, and guiding them toward their career selections.
• In partnership with faculty and university staff, career services will provide information, programs, and consultations to help them better understand the career-related needs of students.
• In partnership with employers, career services will maintain existing, as well as develop new, relationships with employers who have an on-going interest in the employment potential and careers of students and alumni.

Career Conversation Series

Career Services, through the Edwards Leadership Development Program (ELDP), begins the career path dialog with students during each academic year:

• Freshman - Making the Campus Connection
• Sophomore - Three mandatory classes that focus on small group discussions and assignments
• Junior - One-on-one in-depth meetings with a career coordinator to reassess and update career goals
• Senior - Panel discussions to highlight strategies for the fulltime job search and transitioning from college to full time work status

Career Fairs

Each year, Career Services hosts two career fairs that attract companies from all across the country. These events are open to all current students and alumni. Exhibitors include maritime companies, engineering firms, a broad base of business and logistics companies, graduate schools, non-profit agencies, and community partners.

Company Presentations and Interviews

Each year, companies come to campus to recruit our graduating seniors and internship cadets. They hold presentations and follow up with interviews. All students, regardless of class standing, are encouraged to attend company presentations. These companies come directly to our campus because of Cal Maritime’s outstanding reputation in the industry.

Cooperative Education (Co-ops)

All shore-side professional track cadets must participate in a Co-op as required for their major. Co-ops provide a great opportunity to develop skills that have been learned in the classroom, culminating in a relationship with a company that may lead to a job offer upon graduation.

All Co-op placements must be approved by the appropriate academic department. Since this is an academic program, details such as prerequisites can be found under the specific course listing.

Career Placement

The Career Services Office may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. Any such data provided must be in a form that does not allow for the identification of any individual student. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in the California State University system.