Security Information for Commencement Weekend 2025

The Office of Public Safety and professional security personnel will monitor all entry points to the Athletic & Events Center during Commencement Weekend events. All attendees, including graduates, those involved in academic processions, performers, and guests, are subject to security screening upon building entry in the furtherance of the safety and security of the venue. Security screening may include a soft pat search, visual bag inspection, metal/weapon detection, and/or visual outer garment (opened) inspection. In an effort to expedite the screening process, guests are asked to leave all unnecessary metal objects in their vehicles or at home. Firearms and weapons, including knives, are prohibited. Guests should allow for additional time when entering all Commencement Weekend events. 

To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite entry into the building, the following security measures will be in effect throughout Commencement Weekend ceremonies and events. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in taking these important precautions.

  • IC strongly encourages guests to not bring any type of bags, but guests will be able to carry the following:
    • Bags that do not exceed (12” x 6” x 12");
    • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (5" x 7" or smaller).
  • Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
    • Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and pepper spray;
    • Briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size;
    • Signs of any kind (including banners);
    • Items of distraction, including but not limited to noise makers, inflatable balls, laser pointers;
    • Hard coolers or coolers/bags on wheels;
    • Glass containers, unless necessary for baby formula or medication;
    • Alcoholic beverages of any kind;
    • Pets, with the exception of trained service animals.
      • Please note that NYS law also prohibits leaving an animal confined in an unattended parked vehicle in potentially dangerous or life-threatening weather conditions.
  • Guests may not interfere with the venue or ceremonies in any way.  Unruly, disruptive or illegal behavior is prohibited. Placing, dropping, tossing or hurling any substance or object in the venue is strictly prohibited. Liquids, with the exception of sealed plastic bottles of water, hazardous, or disruptive items are prohibited. Ithaca College reserves the right to inspect and remove any packages, bags and/or containers.
  • Guests are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests. Any guest who acts in an unsafe manner, presenting hazard or risk to persons or property, may be subject to ejection without refund, revocation of future venue privileges, and arrest and prosecution in accordance with NYS and local laws and ordinances.
  • Ithaca College’s Emergency Notification System does allow campus visitors and others who are not current students, faculty, or staff to sign up to receive an IC Alert text whenever the college sends out an emergency message via Rave.
    • If you wish to opt in to this service, text “ICVisitor” to 226787 to receive messages from Ithaca College.  You can stop receiving messages at any time by texting “leave ICVisitor” to 226787.
  • Guests are encouraged to report unusual or suspicious activity to the Ithaca College Office of Public Safety at (607) 274-3333.