Dress Code
Commencement is a formal ceremony. Proper attire and behavior are expected. Comfortable, business casual clothing is recommended for graduates. We also recommend graduates wear shoes and clothing that are visible under their gown in dark colors that match with the commencement gown.
Please do not wear:
- Sneakers
- Beach sandals
- Shorts
Altering of academic gowns is also not permitted, and will not be allowed to enter the arena.
Security
All graduates and their guests are asked to arrive early and kindly cooperate with our staff during the required security checks. Please follow instructions given by police and security personnel in order to make your entry into the venue as smooth as possible.
All guests and their bags will be inspected upon entering for the safety of those attending. No large bags or backpacks will be allowed into the venue. Baby strollers need to be kept in the designated stroller parking area within the front of the lobby and must be checked upon entering as well.
University police officers will be posted throughout the event. In the case of an emergency or any suspicious activity, please contact an FIU police officer immediately or call 305-348-5911.
Prohibited Behavior & Items
Unruly, threatening, or disruptive behavior that may disrupt the ceremony is prohibited. Any individual violating this rule will be asked to leave the event.
The following items are prohibited
- Large bags or backpacks
- Firearms, knives, weapons, or any item deemed hazardous by FIU Police & management personnel
- Incendiary devices (fireworks, smoke bombs, etc.)
- Artificial noisemakers, including fog horns, and musical instruments
- Flags, balloons, banners, signs, laser pointers, and other objects that may block or disrupt the view of other guests
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- Outside food or drinks, unless medically necessary
- Open bottles, glass bottles, cans, flasks, thermoses, ice bags, and coolers*
- Professional photography of any kind, as well as tripods or monopods
- Selfie sticks
- Hover boards, skateboards, drone aircraft, or remote-control vehicles
- Animals (except certified service animals)
- All packages are subject to search Permitted:
Permitted:
*Sealed plastic bottles, and empty reusable drink containers (must be emptied before brought inside)
Lost and Found (Commencement only)
FIU will deposit any items lost and found during the commencement ceremonies in the lobby ticket booth B, located on the plaza near the Panther Statue. Please contact a staff member to inquire about any lost items. You can also email fiuath@fiu.edu for further assistance.