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The Corps of Cadets is what sets Cal Maritime apart from most other colleges and universities in the United States. Every Cal Maritime student has an opportunity to be a cadet in the Corps of Cadets. Participation in Corps activities includes: engagement with curated leadership opportunities/workshops; attending Formation and/or manadatory meetings; abiding by uniform and grooming standards showcasing their ability to follow simple commands and uphold expectations; and are held to high standards of personal conduct and integrity.
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 25 cadet officers appointed from the upperclassmen through a rigorous evaluation by Maritime Academy leadership. 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.
The Edwards Leadership Development Program
The Edwards Leadership Development Program (ELDP) is a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs, Cadet Leadership & Development, and Student Affairs. For over 10 years, Tom & Libby Edwards have invested into the success of and development of Cal Maritime undergrads and future alumni. ELDP promotes becoming a leader who at all times “does good for the greater good.” A leader is a “loyal shipmate,” who is ethical, responsive and goal-oriented, 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, on-campus 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.
Corps of Cadets Membership
Beginning with the start of the Fall 2024 semester, Cal Maritime began offering two distinct pathways, or academic experiences, for eligible students, like programs offered at several other state maritime academies. The two pathways are a Corps of Cadets program and a traditional student path outside of the Corps of Cadets. In line with federal regulations and several degree program accreditation requirements, students in select programs are required to be members of the Corps of Cadets. In such cases, the traditional student experience path is not an option for those in some degree programs.
In accordance with federal regulations, students under instruction or berthed aboard the training ship are members of Cal Maritime’s Corps of Cadets. Based on curricular requirements, as approved by the accreditation body (ABET) for the School of Engineering, students in Facilities Engineering Technology and non-license track Mechanical Engineering degree programs are required to participate in the Corps of Cadets for a portion of their degree program but may choose to opt-in once these curricular requirements are complete.
CORPS OF CADETS - MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR LICENSE TRACK
Students seeking to pursue a U.S. Coast Guard license must be a cadet in the Corps of Cadets. Students who pursue a USCG license will be qualified to work onboard commercial vessels once they are licensed. Additionally, there are certain academic programs at Cal Maritime that require membership in the Corps of Cadets for a portion of the degree program.
In addition to following established rules and regulations and participating in all Corps of Cadets activities during the school year, cadets will also participate in Summer Sea Terms aboard the training ship.
OPT-IN CORPS OF CADETS - LEADERSHIP AND LIFE SKILLS
Students enrolled in degree programs which do not require them to be a member of the Corps of Cadets, yet those who seek the lifestyle and leadership training that the Corps of Cadets offers may choose to opt-in to the Corps of Cadets. Students who opt-in will be required to abide by cadet rules and regulations, including wearing a uniform and participating in all required Corps of Cadets activities.
Rather than participate in the Summer Sea Term aboard the training ship, students not in the Corps of Cadets will participate in International Experience, internships, and co-ops as outlined in their degree program.
Students interested in Opting-In should email Office_CLD@csum.edu.
Office of Cadet Leadership & Development
The Office of Cadet Leadership & Development (CLD) 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.
You can find our office in Morrow Cove.
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.
Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations
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 weekends or evenings. 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.
The Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations is provided to all cadets via a Canvas course and requires each cadet to acknowledge their receiving and understanding of the expectations.
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 Corps of Cadets Rules & Regulations.
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