Policy Changes for the 2024 Arts & Sciences Ceremonies

Students

Students may not bring bags of any type onto Francis Olympic Field during the Arts & Sciences undergraduate ceremony or the all-university commencement ceremony. 

Guests

Guests are strongly encouraged not to bring bags. If you must bring a bag, it must meet the following requirements:  

• Clear plastic bags are allowed but must not to exceed 14 inches x 14 inches x 4 inches. We will have clear bags available for free in the on-campus parking locations and at the ceremony entrances for those who need them. But we recommend planning ahead, by bringing a smaller bag or a clear bag that meets the listed dimensions, if possible. 
• Small clutch-type wallets or purses, which do not need to be clear, are allowed as long as they do not exceed 4 inches x 6 inches.
• Diaper bags are allowed for those with small children, but they will need to be inspected.
• Necessary medical equipment is permitted after inspection.

For all ceremonies, we recommend allowing extra time to account for bag checks and ticketing. 

The following items are prohibited in all university and school ceremonies and events, and are subject to confiscation:

• Air horns and other artificial noisemakers
• Animals, except service animals
• Banners or signs larger than 2 feet x 3 feet (no poles of any kind will be allowed)
• Food and drink (except water)
• Firearms and weapons
• Laser lights
• Balloons, glitter and confetti
• Unmanned aircraft/drones

Please note: in order to make sure all attendees are complying with the new prohibited items policy, students and faculty wearing regalia should plan to arrive to all ceremonies with their regalia unzipped. All individuals wearing regalia will be checked for prohibited items prior to entering the ceremony. Regalia is required to participate in all the ceremonies.