Celebrate in Style: How CSUMB’s Convocation Comes Alive with Parties, Parades, and Pom-Poms!

At the intersection of General Jim Moore Boulevard and Divarty Street, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as staff from Cal State Monterey Bay’s Health and Wellness Services donned bee antennae and waved signs that read “Bee Yourself.” Meanwhile, finance department employees, one in an otter pajama onesie, rallied with pom-poms. This lively scene marked the New Student Convocation, a spirited welcome for new and transfer students held on August 22.

The day kicked off with mixers where students mingled with faculty and staff from different colleges. Soon after, the Party on Divarty began, a celebration that’s just two years old. Led by bagpipers and university leaders, the marching crowd made its way to the CSUMB stadium, filling the area with energy. The CSUMB mascot, Monte Rey, added to the festivities as hundreds of students streamed past cheering sections.

Phillip Post, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, kicked off the march but got happily sidetracked by students eager to hear about his college’s “learn by doing” philosophy. CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones jumped in to guide him back to the front.

“I was having too much fun talking to students!” Post laughed as the crowd waved goodbye, chanting, “Bye, Phil!” First-year and transfer students, all in matching CSUMB shirts, filled several sections of the stadium.

During the ceremony, Quiñones encouraged students to engage with campus life and support each other. She asked everyone to link arms, symbolizing their newly formed Otter Raft. She introduced the “Otters for Life” statue at the Otter Student Union, encouraging everyone to touch the noses for good luck and success.

Andrew Lawson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, emphasized the importance of seeking help when needed. “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he said, reinforcing that leaning on your Otter Raft is essential for success.

Natalie Navarro, the Associated Students president, echoed this support, reminding students they aren’t alone on this journey. “This step in your academic career is not taken alone,” she assured them. “We are all here to support you.”

One cherished tradition during Convocation is the pinning ceremony, which symbolizes the start of the academic year. This moment ties students to their journey, culminating in a similar pinning at Commencement. “From now on, you are an Otter for life,” Lawson declared during the ceremony.

While many students were unsure what to expect, the message was clear: community is at the heart of CSUMB. Emonie Buckner, a transfer student from Berkeley, expressed her appreciation. “It definitely feels welcoming. It’s nice and refreshing,” she said. Rebecca Ramirez, an accounting student from Marina, agreed. “This is a great start to the year,” she added.

This year, CSUMB’s new initiatives, like the Otters for Life statue, aim to strengthen community ties among students. Statistics show that students who feel connected to their campus community are more likely to succeed academically and personally. According to a recent survey by the National Survey of Student Engagement, 73% of students at colleges with strong community ties report higher satisfaction levels. Such engagement not only fosters a sense of belonging but also leads to better outcomes in college. These sentiments reflect a broader trend in education, where emotional support systems have become paramount for student success. By focusing on unity and support, CSUMB is setting a positive tone for this academic year.

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