Important Commencement Information
Members of the Rutgers Community:
We are looking forward to celebrating our graduates at our upcoming commencement ceremonies. Our goal is to honor the achievements of our graduates and their loved ones in a safe, inclusive, and joyous environment. We hope that the information below offers our graduates confidence that Rutgers University is planning ceremonies where the focus will only be on them and their achievements.
Disruptions
We are committed to honoring our graduates and their guests. Activities that disrupt commencement ceremonies will not be tolerated.
In the event of a disruption, the Rutgers University Police Department will make a determination as to whether or not those involved will be removed from the venue. Once removed, there will be no re-entry. Our priority is to enable the graduates and their guests in the audience to participate fully in this important milestone.
We expect that all attendees will review and abide by university policies, including 50.3.5 Disruptions: Administrative Policy and Response and 60.1.12 Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment
Code of Student Conduct
All students attending the commencement ceremony are subject to the Rutgers Code of Student Conduct. In particular, we highlight the following safety violations:
VI.E.3 Intentionally or recklessly endangering the welfare of any individual.
VI.E.7 Using any instrument in a manner that endangers or tends to endanger another person.
VI.E.8 Obstructing the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on or adjacent to University premises or at University events.
VI.E.9 Failing to comply with the reasonable and lawful directions of university officials and/or University police, including but not limited to, instructions to produce identification.
Safety
If you experience or observe unsafe conditions, accidents or injuries, or medical emergencies, please report it to a member of the Rutgers University Police Department or event staff immediately.
The list below highlights prohibited items that will not be allowed at university commencement ceremonies:
- Aerosol cans
- Pets (except service animals)
- Audio/Video equipment and professional photography equipment
- Balloons and balls
- Signs or banners larger than 8 ½” by 11”
- Cans, bottles, glass, or other containers with liquid
- Chains, studded bracelets, etc.
- Coolers or ice chests
- Illegal drugs or Controlled Dangerous Substances
- Laser pens and pointers
- Noicemaking devices (whistles, air horns, drums, horns, vuvuzelas)
- Selfie sticks, umbrellas, and Go Pros
- Poles to display banners, flags, etc.
- Skateboards or rollerblades
- Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
- Weapons (i.e., knives, pepper spray, tear gas, handcuffs, stun guns, etc.)
- Any other item deemed to be inappropriate or dangerous by the RUPD
Graduates, please take a moment to share this information with your guests who are planning to attend commencement ceremonies at Rutgers University. We look forward to honoring your achievements, and we offer you our congratulations.