Etiquette, Protocols, Security

By tradition, the Commencement ceremony is a formal, dignified event to honor the achievements of graduating students. To help preserve the decorum of the event, it is requested that guests exercise etiquette appropriate to the occasion. We ask that you please observe the following:

• Be on time: Please plan to arrive on campus one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. This will give you enough time to park and walk to the ceremony venue.
• Cell phones should be turned off or operated in silent mode during the ceremony. Do not speak on a cell phone or carry on a conversation during the ceremony as this prevents others from hearing and enjoying the ceremony.
• Guests are asked to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that demonstrates respect toward their graduates, other guests and the speakers on stage.
• All Commencement participants will remain until the conclusion of the ceremony. We kindly ask that guests remain until the conclusion of the ceremony as well.
• Please be considerate and clean up after yourself.
• Professional photographers and videographers are prohibited.

Permitted Areas

Only graduates and Commencement personnel will be permitted in graduate areas before the ceremony.

No children or guests will be permitted in the graduate seating or on stage.

All candidates should plan to meet their guests outside the venue after the ceremony.

Guests will be asked to exit to meet their graduate so we can prepare for the next ceremony.

Prohibited Items

• All alcohol
• Flash photography
• Noisemakers of any kind
• Pets
• Silly string
• Confetti
• Glitter
• Helium balloons
• Drones
• All large signs/banners (max. 11”x17”)
• Any pole-mounted flags/signs
• Laser pointers
• Weapons
• Coolers
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes
• All objects deemed inappropriate

CLEAR BAGS: Guests are only permitted clear bags, no larger than 16”x16”, to enter the ceremony venue. (Clear bags are available for purchase on campus at Titan Shops.)

Security

There will be a walk-through security screening system for both graduates and guests before entering the venue.

All bags are subject to search by event staff and University Police. For security purposes, all attendees are encouraged to keep items to a minimum.