Security and Attendee Protocol
To assist with making your visit to campus safe and enjoyable, please note the following safety procedures are in place for all Commencement activities.
Note: the security and conduct rules below are in place for all Commencement events.
Clear Bag Policy
A clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at all event facilities on the UT Austin campus.
Approved bags include:
- LARGE BAGS: Bags or totes that are clear and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
- SMALL BAGS: Each person is allowed one large clear bag and one small clutch. Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5"
Small bags must not be larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
Prohibited bags include:
Non-clear bags that exceed 4.5” x 6.5” OR clear bags that exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. This includes items such as grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags, diaper bags, camera/binocular cases, and any other bags that stadium event staff deem do not meet the clear bag policy.
For more information, visit the Texas Sports Steer Clear FAQ page.
Graduate and Guest Conduct Guidelines
Thank you in advance for fostering a celebratory atmosphere for our graduates as we recognize their achievements. The below guidance applies to all Commencement events.
Speech, expression or assembly that disrupts or interferes with any aspect of the ceremonies is not permitted.
Heckling speakers, making noise that prevents others from hearing the event presentation, or otherwise interfering with the ceremonies’ planned events will result in removal from the venue.
Each venue will have a security check-in area similar to game-day admission. Please review the prohibited items list found on the right side of this page.
Attendees and graduates will not be permitted to block entrances, exits or pathways in or around campus or in individual venues.
Outside demonstrations cannot cause disruption to graduation ceremonies or block entrances, exits or pathways on campus.
Unauthorized entrance to ceremony venues or restricted areas is prohibited.
Prohibited Items
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all of those who attend Commencement activities. The below items are not permitted at any of the Commencement events.
- Artificial noisemakers
- Large bags (see Clear Bag policy)
- Banners, flags, flag poles, selfie sticks, signs, umbrellas, etc.
- Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10", GoPros, video cameras and tripods
- Coolers
- Explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items
- Flower vases. Bouquets of flowers are allowed, but glass or plastic vases are not permitted.
- Food
- Snacks needed for medical purposes are allowed.
- No other outside food is permitted.
- Water: One sealed (soft plastic) bottle of water (up to one liter) is permitted. No other outside beverages or beverage containers are permitted (including Yeti or similar products)
- Free water fountains are available for refill.
- Items deemed a safety hazard or annoyance (Frisbees, balloons, projectiles, laser pointers, fireworks, etc.)
- Pets (except service dogs)
- Only service dogs are allowed into the stadium. Any other type of animal is not permitted.
- The UT Austin campus only permits service dogs into our venues.
- The service dog should be wearing identifiable attire and be harnessed or tethered in some fashion.
- Strollers
- Tobacco products (See smoking and tobacco policy on UTexas.edu)
- The University of Texas became a tobacco-free campus in 2012. Campus policy prohibits the use of any tobacco products on the property including parking areas, parking structures, lawns and sidewalks. All forms of tobacco including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco are banned from campus.
- Weapons
- No weapons may be carried in violation of Texas law.
Security officers will search all bags before attendees will be permitted to enter. Those with prohibited items will be turned away. This list is subject to change.