We are looking forward to celebrating with our graduates at this week’s Graduate and Undergraduate commencement ceremonies. These events mark a significant milestone for our graduates and their families and are planned to ensure each graduate has the opportunity to cross the stage and be individually recognized.

The University will not tolerate any disruptions to these important ceremonies. Disturbances of any kind will result in immediate removal from the facility for anyone involved, including graduates and guests.

Signs, flags, backpacks, noisemakers, balloons and selfie sticks will not be permitted inside the venues.

I understand that this is a challenging and emotional time for many due to events around the world, but commencement is neither the time nor the place for the kind of disruptive behavior we have seen at other universities.

The Class of 2024 has persisted through COVID and other challenges to make it to this moment when they can step into the spotlight and be acknowledged for their accomplishments. I won't allow anyone to take that away from them and their families.