Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) at Cal Poly is pleased to share significant progress in its collaboration with the Associated Students of the California Maritime Academy (ASCMA) as part of the planned integration of Cal Maritime with Cal Poly in 2026.
In a step toward inclusive shared governance, on Apr. 30, 2025, the ASI Board of Directors passed a bill to add the ASCMA President or designee as a non-voting representative to the ASI Board of Directors for the 2025—26 academic year. The bill was co-authored by ASI President, Ashleigh Spragins, and ASI Board of Directors representative – College of Liberal Arts, Alyson Engel. The bill can be found on the ASI website. Similarly, ASCMA amended their bylaws to include a Cal Poly student as a non-voting representative of their Board for the 2025—26 academic year.
An Ad Hoc Committee was established on Apr. 1, 2025, to advise on the merger between ASCMA and Cal Poly ASI. The committee includes half Cal Poly ASI students and half ASCMA students and is chaired for the spring quarter by ASI Board of Directors representative – Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, Jett Palmer. This committee will review and recommend a shared leadership model to the ASI Board and ASCMA Board that ensures balanced representation between the two student bodies within a unified ASI structure. More information can be found on the ASI website.
Palmer states, “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee established to guide the integration of ASI Cal Poly and AS of the California Maritime Academy. The committee is tasked with reviewing organizational structures, operational models, and governing documents to form thoughtful recommendations for the Board of Directors of both student associations. Transitions of this scale understandably come with questions and complexities, but they also open the door to meaningful opportunities. I feel confident in our committee’s ability to fulfill its central purpose: creating a unified student governance structure that reflects the needs of both campuses and upholds our commitment to the responsible use of student fees. We will approach the integration in multiple phases, beginning with relationship building and mutual education about each institution’s campus and culture. We continue to collaborate closely with university leadership to monitor a formal transition plan and, later this year, will begin shaping a shared governance model that elevates the student voice. I am optimistic that this committee will create a lasting foundation—one that positions us to continue serving students with allegiance to our core principles.”
In addition to governance changes, ASI management and student government leaders from both campuses have participated in several mutual site visits and dialogue to better understand each campus’ programs, facilities, and services. These cross-campus visits show a growing commitment to partnership and transparency as both institutions prepare for full integration by July 1, 2026.
These efforts mark a significant step forward in unifying the student experience. We are proud of our accomplishments thus far and look forward to continued collaboration with the Solano Campus in the year ahead.
For more information, visit the ASI website.
