The California State University Board of Trustees met on November 20, 2024, to discuss the proposed merger of Cal Maritime in Vallejo with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The committee of the board greenlit the merger proposal, with a final vote expected the following day.
The merger is intended to keep the maritime academy operational after facing enrollment declines that jeopardized its financial stability. The full board vote is crucial for the proposal to move forward. If approved, the two institutions will be united under the Cal Poly name, with Cal Maritime becoming Cal Poly, Solano Campus.
The merger aims to benefit both universities, with Cal Poly gaining access to maritime academy facilities and Cal Maritime aiming to increase the number of students pursuing merchant marine licenses. The new Solano campus will be led by a vice president and CEO reporting to Cal Poly’s president, while a Rear Admiral will lead the maritime academy in Vallejo.
The timeline for the merger is tight, with plans to have the institutions operating under the same administration by July 1, 2025. Significant efforts will be made to update the curriculum, navigate accreditation processes, and boost enrollment in programs that lead to merchant mariner licenses.
Cal Maritime has faced financial challenges due to declining enrollment and rising operating expenses. The campus is expected to have a budget deficit in the upcoming school year, leading to layoffs and cost-cutting measures. The merger is seen as a way to address these financial challenges and revitalize the institution.
Faculty and student representatives are already considering how to integrate the two institutions, including questions about governance structures, student fees, and academic programs. There are concerns about job security for faculty members and the possibility of offering more online courses to reach students on both campuses.
The success of the merger will be monitored through various metrics, including cost savings, student enrollment in programs leading to merchant mariner licenses, and student diversity. Updates on the merger’s progress are expected in May 2025, with a consulting firm hired to guide the process and ensure accountability.
Overall, the merger between Cal Maritime and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo represents an opportunity to strengthen both institutions and provide expanded opportunities for students. The board’s decision on the merger will shape the future of these campuses and the California State University system as a whole.