Graduates and Guests: By attending Commencement at Alabama State University, you agree to adhere to these guidelines and all related policies.

Commencement is a time to celebrate and take pride in your accomplishments. It is a formal, academic ceremony, not a sports event or concert. We ask that you honor the significance of this occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that shows respect for your fellow graduates, their guests, and the ceremony itself. Please inform your guests of these guidelines and ensure they follow them to help us maintain the dignity of this special event.

Notice: Alabama State University is not responsible for any lost or stolen items, damage to vehicles, or personal injuries. Please ensure that no property is tampered with, damaged, or mishandled by graduates or their guests. Attendance at the Commencement ceremony and related events is entirely voluntary. Decisions to attend are made by the graduating student and their guests at their own discretion. Unauthorized items, including weapons, are strictly prohibited.

Participation Protocol: Only graduates are permitted on the event level and stage during the Commencement ceremony. Parents, guests, children, personal photographers, and others are not allowed in these areas. Additionally, proposals or similar activities are not permitted during the ceremony.

1. Read and Communicate Guidelines: It is essential to read, understand, and share these guidelines with your guests. You are responsible for ensuring that you and your guests follow all rules. Violations may result in removal by law enforcement, and student’s diploma and transcript may be withheld, with potential for further disciplinary actions including fines.
2. Security: All attendees, including graduates and guests, must pass through security screening. Unauthorized items, including weapons, are strictly prohibited. Guests will be seated separately from graduates.
3. No Seat Saving: Reserving or saving seats for guests or graduates is not allowed.
4. Assistance from Staff: Ushers and staff will be available to help guests and graduates upon arrival.
5. Order and Compliance: Graduates must remain in order based upon their college designation. Disruptions caused by getting out of order may lead to being escorted out, cancellation of participation, and withholding of your diploma and transcript.
6. Seating after Stage Crossing: After crossing the stage, return to your original seat immediately. Do not change seats; doing so will result in removal from the venue and denial of re-entry. In the event that a shift in seating is needed, Student Marshals will offer direction.
7. Disruption Policy: Any disruptive behavior will result in removal by ASU Police and Security, with no re-entry allowed. Organizational celebrations (individually or collectively) during the Commencement ceremony are considered to be disruptive behavior and are strictly prohibited.
8. Prohibited Items and Actions: Do not wave or toss items, bring banners or flags, engage in jumping or dancing. Violations will result in removal by law enforcement and violators will be subject to further penalties.
9. Noise and Cheering: Excessive noise, including the use of air horns, bull horns, or cowbells, is prohibited. Respectful cheering and clapping are allowed, but over cheering and loud disruptions are not.
10. Respectful Behavior: Maintain respect for other graduates and the audience by remaining seated until ceremony concludes. Avoid inappropriate behaviors such as taking selfies, pranks, or any disruptions.
11. Cell Phone Use: Cell phones are allowed but should be silenced. Do not use phones during formal speaking parts of the ceremony or while receiving your diploma on stage.
12. Prohibited Items: Outside beverages, food, alcohol, or drugs are not permitted.
13. Code of Conduct: All attendees must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. Disruptive conduct may result in immediate removal and withholding of your diploma or transcript.
14. Stay Duration: Attendees are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.
15. Personal Items: We do not hold personal items. Bring only what you need.
16. Questions and Information: For questions, please email the Commencement Committee at academicaffairs@alasu.edu. For the latest information, visit https://www.alasu.edu/_qa/Commencement.php.

Thank you for your cooperation in making the Commencement ceremony a dignified and smooth event.