Venue Etiquette and Security

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• Security
• Clear Bag Policy and Bag Check
• Event Etiquette
• Alcohol and Smoking Policy
• Venue Evacuation and Emergency Protocol

Security

In order to enhance the safety and security of all on campus during commencement, all bags are subject to be searched.

Venue doors will open one (1) hour before the ceremony start time.  The venue must be cleared after each ceremony for a security sweep guests will be permitted to enter for each ceremony.

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Clear Bag Policy and Bag Check

Event Etiquette

The conferring of an academic degree is a tradition that dates back to the 12th century and is regarded as an important rite of passage for students and their families. Commencement is a time for celebration and recognition of one's academic success, and the faculty and staff of California State University San Marcos congratulate each of our graduates! We ask that you remember this long and respected tradition and approach the ceremony with the proper decorum and respect. 

This means:

• No banners or signs bigger than 20"x20" (must not obstruct view of others and must be stored away until your graduate is called).
• No alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping.
• No balloons or confetti
  • December Commencement, balloons can be tied to Sports Center Patio Gate.
  • Spring Commencement, balloons can be tired to the fence at the back of the Mangrum Track and Field.
• No coolers, cans/glass bottles.
• December Commencement, Sports Center: No strollers, car seats, or similar items in the Sports Center. These items will need to be parked in the Sports Center patio in designated Stroller Parking areas.
• No fireworks, firearms, weapons (including pocket/utility knives).
  • Undercover Officers and Federal Agents with concealed weapons will need to contact CSUSM UPD.
• No inflatable items (such as baseballs, bats, beach balls, dolls, etc.), Frisbees, or other similar objects .
• No lawn chairs, folding chairs, or similar objects.
• No noise makers of any kind.
• No non-service animals, no pets.
• No drones.
• In order to get through security in a timely matter, only take what you will need for the length of the ceremony (estimated at 60 minutes).

Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of University faculty, staff, and/or security.

Prohibited item(s) will be asked to return back to their vehicles. If the graduate and/or leave prohibited item(s) at security check Prohibited item(s) will not be returned nor be reimbursed.

Unauthorized persons in graduate only areas or faculty/staff areas, will be escorted back to guest seating by security/UPD. Graduate Only Areas and Faculty and Staff Only Areas include:

December Commencement: Clarke Field House, Graduate Check-In, Graduate Lineup, Graduate Seating, and  Stage.

May Commencement: Softball Field, Clarke Field House, Stage, Graduate Seating Area on the Mangrum Track and Field, and Stage.

Please refrain from using cell phones during the ceremony (please silence them).

Guests and Graduates are allowed to bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up at the water refill station located:

• (December Commencement) in the main lobby of the Sports Center by the restrooms.
• (May Commencement) at the back of the track by the ramp leading to Gate 6 (facing Craven Road).

Reusable water bottle must be empty prior to entering the Mangrum Track. Guests are allowed to bring factory sealed water or non-alcoholic drinks that are NOT in glass containers.

Graduates will not be permitted to leave the ceremony early, so please use the restroom before the program begins.

Event Photo, Video, and Social Media Disclaimer

CSUSM reserves the right to use any photograph/video/audio taken at Commencement without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video/audio clip. Photographs/videos/audio clips may be used (but not limited to) in publications, brochures, postcards, posters, newspapers, social media, television, websites, etc., for the purposes of event promotion and/or portraying CSUSM as the University of choice.

To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.

A person attending/participating in/working Commencement who does not wish to have their image captured for distribution should make their wishes known to the CSUSM Commencement Office in writing of his/her intentions and include a photograph of oneself to reference to: commencement@csusm.edu.  The CSUSM Commencement Office will use the photo for identification purposes and will hold it in confidence.

By attending/participating in/working at Commencement or by failing to notify the CSUSM Commencement Office (cougarbluedays@csusm.edu) in writing, your desire to not have your photograph used, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify CSUSM from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.

Alcohol and Smoking Policy

This is a Tobacco and alcohol free event and campus. Tobacco products including electronic (e-cigs) are not allowed at commencement or on campus. Alcohol is prohibited at commencement and on campus. The University observes a strict no-alcohol policy and commencement graduates and guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onto the premises. For more information, please review the CSUSM Alcohol use on Campus Policy and the CSUSM Smoking and Tobacco Policy.

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Venue Evacuation and Emergency Protocol

If any member of the campus community or visitor becomes aware of an emergency situation during the Commencement ceremony, they are encouraged to contact any commencement staff wearing a blue polo.

December Commencement 

Reporting an Emergency

If any member of the campus community or visitor becomes aware of an emergency situation during the Commencement ceremony, they are encouraged to contact any commencement staff wearing a blue polo or visit the University Police and/or  First Aid in the Parking Lot in front of the Clarke Field House - Lot L.

You will be asked to provide as much detailed information as possible so that the proper measures can take place.

Evacuation Plan

Evacuation of part or all of the Commencement venues will be announced by University Police as circumstances dictate. Please follow any directions/announcements given at that time.

Visitors are encouraged to make themselves aware of the physical facilities, exits, and posted evacuation plans prior to the ceremony.

May Commencement 

Reporting an Emergency

If any member of the campus community or visitor becomes aware of an emergency situation during the Commencement ceremony, they are encouraged to contact any commencement staff wearing a blue polo or visit the University Police Tent on the east side of the track by the First Aid Tent (marked with red flags).

You will be asked to provide as much detailed information as possible so that the proper measures can take place.

Evacuation Plan

Evacuation of part or all of the Commencement venues will be announced by University Police as circumstances dictate. Please follow any directions/announcements given at that time.

Visitors are encouraged to make themselves aware of the physical facilities, exits, and posted evacuation plans prior to the ceremony.

There are four main paths of exit from the Magnum track. Depending on your seat, you will use either the Main Gate exit (back south of the field - yellow path), Hill Gate exits (back west of the field - green path), Lot Z Gate exit (front North-West of the field - blue path), or the the Clarke Gate exit (front North-East of the field - purple path).

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