What Not to Bring

Student and Guest Conduct

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.

Review conduct expectations

Prohibited Items and Bag Policy

For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are not permitted at the event center venue:

• NO Backpacks, purses or bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” with the exception of a diaper bag that must accompany the child that uses it, and is subject to search 
  • Larger bags may be left at home, in your vehicle, or in the mobile storage lockers.
• NO Outside food or beverages, including but limited to:
  • Alcoholic beverages either opened or in sealed containers;
  • Food prepared at home, unless medically-necessary and reviewed at the Event Center help desk;
  • Fruit, packaged snacks or candy;
  • Food purchased at the on-site food trucks or any Spartan Eats campus dining locations. This food must be fully-consumed outside the Event Center. Limited grab-and-go food and refreshment options will also be available inside the Event Center for guests who have already entered.
• NO professional or commercial photographic or videographic equipment; only personal, private household devices (camcorders, point-and-shoot cameras)
  • NO Flash photography of any kind, including from personal phone or camera devices
  • NO Professional recording equipment (audio or visual)
  • NO Detachable Lenses longer than six (6) inches
  • NO Tripods
  • NO Big Zooms 
  • NO Commercial Use Rigs
  • NO Ring lights or selfie lighting devices of any kind
  • NO Selfie Sticks or camera booms
• NO Drones or airborne flying devices
• NO Glass items
• NO Helium balloons or excessive balloon bouquets (as determined by security personnel)
• NO Artificial noise-making devices, horns, air horns
• NO Inflatable balls, frisbees, tortillas, etc
• NO Confetti or streamers
• NO Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
• NO Signs or banners larger than 2’ x 3’ and must be foldable (if a banner is brought, it will be inspected before being admitted. It may not be attached to any railings, fencing, etc. Must be held only)
  • NO Sticks or Poles either attached to signs or detached
  • All signage will be reviewed to ensure alignment with expected conduct, including compliance with CSU Time, Place and Manner policies and SJSU's Freedom of Expression policies.
• NO Coolers, of any kind, including soft-sided or hard-sided
• NO Illicit substances, drugs or paraphernalia
• NO Tobacco products or vapes (disposable or battery-detachable) of any kind
• NO Markers, pens or spray paint
• NO Laser pointers
• NO Flame or light-emitting devices including but not limited to fireworks, sparklers or combustible noisemakers
• NO Weapons of any kind
  • NO pocket knives, even if legally-compliant in the State of California or Santa Clara County
  • NO Personal protection devices including but not limited to pepper spray, electric stun devices like tasers, or shock devices
• NO Items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate by management that may disrupt other attendees' enjoyment of the event
• NO Pets are permitted at this event. Trained and licensed service animals are allowed after proper check-in at the help desk. SJSU Commencement staff and security personnel are permitted to ask questions regarding the nature of a service animal's function and its service to your disability, but you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability. San José State University welcomes all attendees in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Please note the following

• SJSU is not responsible for any lost or stolen items
• All guests will be subject to search, which may include the use of electronic devices, pat downs and inspections of bags
• Guests are discouraged from bringing unnecessary items to the event and encouraged to leave items at home, in their vehicles or in the provided mobile storage locker.