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Graduate and Guest Expectations

Behavioral Expectations for Graduates and Guests

Commencement is intended to be a festive occasion celebrating the accomplishments of our students and the culmination of years of hard work. It is also ceremonial, and all participants deserve safe, orderly, and dignified ceremonies. In an effort to make this event a positive experience for everyone, students and guests are asked to respect the dignity of the Commencement Ceremony and comply with the provisions cited here. Boise State has provided information about behavioral expectations below. The safety of our students and community members is paramount.

Alcohol, controlled substances and public intoxication

  • To protect students and guests, alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited in ExtraMile Arena and the line-up areas. Students in possession of alcoholic beverages in the Commencement line-up area or transporting alcoholic beverages into the arena will have the beverage confiscated.
  • Drunk or disorderly behavior may result in removal from the ceremony, ejection from the arena, referral to the student conduct process, and/or further legal consequences.
  • Any student removed from the ceremony will have their diploma held until the conclusion of the student conduct process.

Admission to facility

  • For your safety, all guests entering are subject to a metal-detector screening, visual inspection, and/or bag inspection conducted by Arena security personnel.
  • Prohibited items are listed here, and include anything that can be deemed a threat to public safety, regardless of permit.
  • In the event that prohibited items are revealed during a search, guests will be allowed to return the item to their vehicle or the item will be forfeited.
  • Forfeited items will be disposed of and not returned.
  • Refusal to submit to inspection will result in denied entry.

Disruption of the ceremony

  • Boise State will not tolerate speech or expressive activity that disrupts the operations and events of the university, the shouting down of speakers or violations of law or university policy. To learn more about free speech at Boise State, visit Free Speech at Boise State.
  • Students and guests should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that demonstrates respect toward graduates, guests and the speakers on stage.
  • Handheld signs or banners shall not impede the view of other guests. Signs may not be attached to sticks, poles or other items that could be used as weapons.
  • There will be zero tolerance for disorderly behavior, or behavior that limits the egress or orderly flow of the ceremony.
  • To ensure the comfort of our guests and to comply with fire safety laws, aisles must be kept clear at all times. Guests are asked to cooperate with ushers and officers and to keep designated areas clear.
  • Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior are subject to immediate removal from campus and potential arrest where the conduct becomes criminal, including trespassing where an individual has been asked to leave and refuses. Students should refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information about what conduct may result in discipline by the University.
  • Commencement guests should report any inappropriate or disruptive behavior to the nearest staff member.