myCSUSM
Venue Etiquette and Security
- 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 weekend, graduates and guests as well as employees and vendors may be subject to walk through a security screening device. Those who walk through the security screening device may also be subject to another security/bag check.
Venue gates will open one (1) hour before the ceremony start time. The venue must be cleared after each ceremony for a security sweep before graduates or guests will be permitted to enter for each ceremony.
Clear Bag Policy and Bag Check
Mangrum Track & Field will enforce a clear bag policy for Commencement weekend. Guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to the Mangrum Track & Field. Only (1) one of the following style and size bag, package, or container per person:
- Bags that are clear plastic or clear vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
- Purses, bags, or clutches no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
Prohibited bags include but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage of any kind, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Lockers are NOT available and guests with prohibited items will have the option to return their prohibited item(s) back to their vehicle or to dispose of prohibited item(s) in the waste receptacle.
This policy is not intended to interfere with guests attending with specific medical needs or guests caring for young children.
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" (signs must not obstruct view of other guests and must be stored away until your graduate is called).
- no alcohol
- no balloons
- no cans/glass bottles
- no confetti
- no coolers or wagons
- no drugs, smoking, vaping
- no fireworks, firearms, and weapons (including pocket/utility knives)
- no Inflatable items (such as baseballs, bats, beach balls, dolls, etc.), frisbees, and other similar objects
- no lawn chairs, folding chairs, or similar objects
- no noise makers of any kind
- no non-service animals, no pets
University faculty and staff and security will strictly enforce this policy.
Guests and children are not permitted in the Softball field, graduate seating area or on stage. Those not permitted in the graduate seating area, graduate check-in area, or stage will be asked to return to the guest area and will not be allowed to remain in prohibited areas during the ceremony.
Please refrain from using cell phones during the ceremony (please silence them).
Water towers will be available on the Mangrum Track. Guests and Graduates are allowed to bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up at the water tower locations on the track. 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.
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.
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 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 of part or all of the Mangrum Track and Field will be announced by University Police and undertaken 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.