Commencement Conduct Guidelines

_{Graduates and Guests: by attending Commencement at the University of Memphis, you
agree to all of this and all related policy.}

Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments. However, it is a ceremony. We do not allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, etc.). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony. You are required to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of yourself, fellow graduates, and our guests. It is your responsibility to speak to your guests to comply with the following guidelines. By participating and attending the University of Memphis Commencement ceremony, you agree to observe the following guidelines and rules:

Attending our events: We are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items, items left behind, theft, damage to vehicles, or personal injury of any kind. No property should be tampered, destroyed, or mishandled in any way by any graduate or guests attending. Attendance in the Commencement ceremony and events are completely optional, and decisions made to attend by the graduating student and any guests who choose to come on their own accord. NO weapons of any kind are allowed.

No Guests Permitted on Event Floor: We do NOT allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, etc.). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony.

Public Event: These events are free and public large-scale events; therefore, while we work hard to ensure these events are great for everyone there are matters beyond our control. There will be traffic and parking lines. There will be many guests. There may be delays. We recommend working out plans with yourself and guests prior to attending. Remember: An idea you have may be shared by someone else. Someone will be first and someone will be last, and someone will be waiting. This should be expected. Prepare for possible and longer waiting time. Patience and understanding are a must!

No guests are permitted on the event floor for any reason and at any time. Individuals in violation will be escorted out by law enforcement.

No skipping or swapping of seats. Individuals in violation will be escorted out by Law Enforcement.

After leaving the stage, the graduate returns to their seat as guided by crew officials. Individuals in violation will be escorted out by law enforcement.

Notice: We are not responsible for lost, stolen, items left behind, theft, damage to vehicles, or personal injury of any kind. No property should be tampered with, destroyed, or mishandled in any way by any graduate or guests attending. Attendance in the commencement ceremony and events is completely optional, and decisions are made to attend by the graduating student and any guests who choose to come on their own accord. No unauthorized items, weapons of any kind and the like are permitted at any time!

We do not allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, and other guests are allowed at any time). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony.

These events are free and public large-scale events; therefore, while we work hard to ensure these events are great for everyone, there are matters beyond our control. There will be traffic and parking lines. There will be many guests. There may be delays. We recommend working out plans with yourself and guests prior to attending. Remember: An idea you have may be shared by someone else. Someone will be first, and someone will be last, and someone will be waiting. This should be expected. Prepare for a possible and longer waiting time. Patience and understanding are a must!

By participating and attending the University of Memphis Commencement ceremony, you agree to observe the following guidelines:

You are required to read, understand, and share with guests attending. It is your responsibility to ensure you and your guests comply. Anyone in violation will be escorted out by law enforcement, and the participating student/graduate’s diploma and transcript (grades/diploma) will be withheld with possible further disciplinary actions. You are responsible for the actions of yourself and those of your guests. Graduates and guests will go through security measures at the venue. No unauthorized items, weapons, etc. are permitted at any time. Guests are seated and lined up separately from graduates. Your attendance in the ceremony and that of your guests is your agreement to these terms and conditions:

No interacting with guests from your seats.
No skipping or swapping seats.
When you come off stage, return to your original seat for instruction.
We do not allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, etc.). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony.
No saving or reserving seats by guests or graduates.
No guests are allowed in the area indicated for graduates only.
No guests are permitted on the graduate floor/section at any given time.
Do NOT get out of order. Stay in numerical order as indicated on your Pronouncer Card. In the past, we have had participants get out of order, and it completely caused several repercussions, including names displayed incorrectly, video and photo confusion, delays, and more.
Ushers and staff will be present to assist guests and graduates upon arrival.
If you get out of order for any reason, you will be escorted out of the facility, your participation in Commencement will be canceled, your diploma and transcript (grades/diploma) will be withheld, and there will be possible further disciplinary actions.
You must return to your seat after going across the stage. Return to your original assigned seat. Do NOTchange seats for any reason. If you do, you will be escorted out of the venue and not allowed to re-enter.
If you or your guests cause any disruption of any kind, leave early, change seats, or get out of order, you will be escorted off the premises by Memphis Police and Security. You will not be allowed to reenter the building.
No waving or tossing up any items on the floor, lineup, or stage. If you are found in violation, you will be escorted out by Law Enforcement.
No banners, flags, or any other items should be brought with you or hidden! If you are found in violation, you will be escorted out by law enforcement.
No jumping, leaping, dancing, or the like are permitted. If you are found in violation, you will be escorted out by law enforcement.
These events are free and public large-scale events; therefore, while we work hard to ensure these events are great for everyone, there are matters beyond our control. There will be traffic and parking lines. There will be many guests. There may be delays. We recommend working out plans with yourself and guests prior to attending. Remember: An idea you have may be shared by someone else. Someone will be first, and someone will be last, and someone will be waiting. This should be expected. Prepare for a possible and longer waiting time. Patience and understanding are a must!
If you have guests who are unable to stand in long lines, etc., we do record and live stream our ceremonies. Live Stream Option.
Speak to guests about appropriate cheering. Over cheering and screaming is not permitted.
Noise makers, including air horns, bull horns, using cell phones to create these noises, and cow bells, are strictly prohibited and NOT permitted. They will be confiscated and not returned. Graduates and guests who refuse to comply will be removed.
Excessive yelling, prolonged screaming is unnecessary, unfair, and disruptive to your peers. Guests in violation will be escorted out.
You want your name to be heard by your family and friends, and so do your peers.
Speak to guests about cheering too loudly. Ask guests to be respectful of other graduates’ names after your name is called.
ALL families/friends want to hear their graduate’s name called. Clapping and respectful cheering is allowed.
Speak to guests to refrain from yelling, screaming, and lengthy cheering. Excessive yelling and screaming are disrespectful to your fellow graduates.
Hearing a graduate’s name is the moment everyone is waiting for. Think about how special this moment is for you. Your peer feels the same.
Be respectful of other graduates and the audience by staying in your seat before and after you receive your diploma and until those on the commencement platform exit during the recession.
Inappropriate behavior for this occasion includes taking selfies while on the commencement platform, pranks, stepping or dancing, and/or vocal or visual disruptions.
Use of any noise maker, including whistles and air horns, is strictly prohibited.
Cell phones are permitted, but out of courtesy for other participants, students should silence their phones, not use them during the formal speaking portions of the ceremony, and should not use them while receiving their diploma on stage.
The use and/or possession of outside beverages, food, alcohol, or drugs is strictly prohibited.
All provisions of the University of Memphis Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities apply to commencement ceremonies.
The university expects to conduct a meaningful, dignified ceremony. Disorderly and/or disruptive conduct, including, but not limited to the examples provided above, may be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in your diploma and/or transcript being retained by the university.
Attendees must stay for the duration.
We cannot and do not hold personal items. Bring only the items you need.
Students are only allowed to participate once for the degree they are seeking.
In the wake of COVID-19, any guidelines set by the facility or health officials must be followed by all graduating participants and that of their guests.
If you have any questions about filling out this online form, please contact the commencement Office by emailing us at commencement@memphis.edu
Some Commencements may have limited guest seating. Compliance is necessary.
For most recent information about ceremonies, visit memphis.edu/commencement.

Notice: We are not responsible for lost, stolen, items left behind, theft, damage to vehicles, or personal injury of any kind. No property should be tampered with, destroyed, or mishandled in any way by any graduate or guests attending. Attendance in the commencement ceremony and events is completely optional, and decisions are made to attend by the graduating student and any guests who choose to come on their own accord. No unauthorized items, weapons of any kind and the like are permitted at any time.