Security and Venue Etiquette

Clear Bag Policy and Bag Check

We recommend a clear bag for commencement weekend to avoid delays at security check. Guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to Mangrum Track & Field. *Only one of the following is permitted per person:

Clear bags that 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. Guests with prohibited items will have the option to return them to their vehicle or to dispose of them in the waste receptacle. Lockers are not available.
Disposed items will not be reimbursed.

* This policy is not intended to interfere with guests attending with specific medical needs or guests caring for young children.

Water

Guests and graduates are allowed to bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill at the water refill station located at the back of the track by the ramp leading to Gate 6 (facing Craven Road).

Your reusable water bottle must be empty before you enter Mangrum Track & Field. Guests are allowed to bring factory-sealed water or nonalcoholic drinks that are not in glass containers.

Prohibited Items

Guests and graduates with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicles. Check-in or security will not hold items; if confiscated, they will not be returned or reimbursed. The following are considered prohibited items/activities: 

Banners or signs bigger than 20" x 20"
- To not obstruct the view of others, please store banners away until your graduate is called.
Alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping
Balloons or confetti
Balloons can be tied to the fence at the back of Mangrum Track & Field.
Coolers, cans or glass bottles
Fireworks, firearms and weapons (including pocket/utility knives)
- Undercover officers and federal agents with concealed weapons will need to contact CSUSM UPD.
Inflatable items (such as baseballs, bats, beach balls, dolls, etc.), frisbees or other similar objects.
Lawn chairs, folding chairs or similar objects
Noise-makers of any kind
Non-service animals and pets
Drones
Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of university faculty, staff and security.

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 Cal State 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. 

Unauthorized persons in graduate-only areas or faculty/staff areas, will be escorted back to guest seating by security or University Police Department. Graduate-only areas and faculty/staff-only areas include:

Softball field
Clarke Field House
Stage
Graduate seating area on Mangrum Track & Field

Please silence and refrain from using cell phones during the ceremony.

Please use the restroom before the program begins as graduates will not be able to leave the ceremony early.

Alcohol and Smoking Policy

This is a tobacco- and alcohol-free event and campus. Tobacco products including electronic cigarettes 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 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

Reporting an Emergency

If any visitor or member of the campus community becomes aware of an emergency situation during commencement, they are encouraged to contact a commencement staff member (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 information as possible so that the proper measures can take place.

Evacuation Plan

Evacuation of part or all of the commencement venue 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 before the ceremony.

Commencement evacuation exits visual with colored paths identified

There are four main paths of exit from Magnum Track & Field. Depending on your seat, you will use 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 northwest of the field, blue path) or Clarke Gate exit (front northeast of the field, purple path).

Main Gate Exit (Yellow Path)

The Main Gate exit uses Parking Lot B as an evacuation zone.

Evacuation route: Exit the Main Gate, go up the paved path and, when safe, cross the crosswalk to Lot B.

Hill Gate Exit (Green Path)

There are two exits for the Hill Gate areas, and both use Parking Lot Y as an evacuation zone.

Evacuation route: Depending on if you’re seated on the field or in the McMahan House, go out either of the Hill Gate exits, follow the paved path and meet in Lot Y.

Lot Z Gate Exit (Blue Path)

The Lot Z Gate exit uses Parking Lot Z as an evacuation zone.

Evacuation route: Exit the Lot Z Gate, go up the paved path and meet in Lot Z.

Clarke Gate Exit (Purple Path)

The Clarke Gate exit uses the softball field as an evacuation zone.

Evacuation route: Exit the Clarke Gate, go up the paved path and meet at the softball field.