Conduct Expectations
Commencement is both a celebration of our graduates and a ceremony that honors their hard work and commitment. This is a special occasion not only for our graduates, but their families and friends. Please show respect and consideration for everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event.
- Freedom of Expression
- Time, Place and Manner
- Student Conduct Expectations
- Guest Conduct Expectations
In alignment with these behavioral conduct expectations, all graduates and guests are to review and abide by the list of prohibited items. All attendees shall acknowledge that bringing any prohibited item is subject to denial of entry to any Commencement festivity or ejection from a Commencement ceremony.
Freedom of Expression
San José State University believes that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a democratic society and essential to the educational process. Universities like SJSU have a special obligation to encourage and support the free expression of ideas, values, and opinions, even when they may be unpopular or controversial. The university shall ensure that individuals and groups are afforded wide latitude in exercising the right of free expression and that their constitutionally protected right to free expression is protected while on campus. Freedom of expression, however, is not an absolute right and it coexists with other rights and the need for public safety.
Time, Place and Manner
The California State University systemwide Interim Free Expression and Time, Place and Manner policy provides regulations to ensure that those who participate in lawful expressive activities are protected and do not disrupt university operations or infringe on the rights of others. SJSU has produced an additional addendum specific to the main campus and affiliated locations.
Student Conduct Expectations
Commencement is a celebration of your academic achievement. Help maintain a safe, secure and festive atmosphere for Commencement when you are on any campus property - parking garages, campus grounds, Provident Credit Union Event Center - and be mindful of your actions and behaviors. Spartans are exemplars of academic excellence and, with many visiting families and guests, your representation of your university during commencement should reflect the highest of expectations.
Any graduating student who appears visibily inebriated will not be permitted to enter a Commencement ceremony and may be asked to leave. The possession or consumption of illicit substances or alcoholic beverages at any time, on any campus property, and before, during and after ceremonies is strictly prohibited. Graduating students found to be engaging in consumption will be directed to leave campus by University Police, Commencement personnel, or referred to law enforcement.
Disruptive or inappropriate student demonstrations or behaviors during ceremonies will result in warnings and ultimate ejection from the ceremony, in line with the CSU interim Time, Place and Manner policies.
Even as a graduating student participating in Commencement ceremonies, students are held to standards and recourse overseen by Student Conduct and Ethical Development.
Guest Conduct Expectations
San José State University welcomes you to our campus to celebrate your graduating student. Commencement is a festive occasion for our graduates and all their families and, as such, guests shall adhere to conduct that is aligned with this academic and family-friendly environment.
Any guest who appears visibily inebriated will not be permitted to enter a Commencement ceremony and may be asked to leave. The possession or consumption of illicit substances or alcoholic beverages at any time, on any campus property, and before, during and after ceremonies is strictly prohibited. Guests found to be engaging in consumption will be directed to leave campus by University Police, Commencement personnel, or referred to law enforcement.
If another guest is disrupting your comfort or safety, report the issue to the nearest Commencement staff personnel or report securely and confidentially through the Spartan Safe app, our official safety reporting tool available to all students and guests on all mobile devices. If a safety concern is emergency-related (threats to life, health or safety well-being), call 9-1-1, immediately.
Disruptive or inappropriate guest demonstrations or behaviors during ceremonies will result in warnings and ultimate ejection from the ceremony, in line with the CSU interim Time, Place and Manner policies.
