Security at Commencement Events

Updated: 3/13/2025 

Please refer to this page for the most up-to-date information as details are subject to change. 

In order to ensure a safe Commencement ceremony for all members of our community, Tufts University has taken comprehensive steps to increase security for Commencement ceremonies taking place on our campuses.   We ask that you review our security measures below before coming to campus. 

Security Measures at Commencement Events on the Academic Quad (The Green) 

• Security personnel will screen entry points to Commencement event venues. Access to all events on The Green (Academic Quad) will be restricted.  
• A ticket, access pass, and/or ID will be required for entry.
• Students, faculty, and staff: Please have your Tufts ID available to allow access. 
• Friends and family of graduates: A ticket will be required to gain access to events. Graduating students will be able to reserve their guests' tickets in April. Individual schools will communicate the ticketing process in the next two months.  
• Metal detection equipment will be used for access to events on campus. 
• Small handbags, purses, and camera bags will be allowed (any large totes, over-sized purses, backpacks, large diaper bags, or messenger bags will not be permitted). All bags will be checked prior to entry. 

Security Measures at Other Commencement Venues and Events 

Security measures at other ceremony and event venues on campus will be the same as those listed above, but might not include the use of metal detection equipment.  

Prohibited Items at Commencement Ceremonies 

• Signs or banners of any size 
• Full-sized flags (note: small, handheld flags will be allowed - maximum size is 7" x 5")
• Large totes, oversized purses, backpacks, large diaper bags, or messenger bags
• Umbrellas (ponchos will be available, if needed)
• Balloons
• Any kind of weapon or firearm 
• Drones and model aircraft
• Artificial noisemakers  

As always, our safety precautions are intended to make these special events run smoothly. We appreciate your assistance as we work to ensure that Commencement is a joyous occasion for all who are receiving their degrees and for those who are celebrating their accomplishments.  

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should immediately contact the Tufts Police Department at 617-627-6911. 

Tufts Emergency Alerts 

Parents, family members, and guests of graduating Tufts students who opt-in to TuftsAlert* will receive emergency alerts through the Monday after Commencement. Should an emergency occur that affects any Tufts campus during this timeframe, you would receive a text alerting you to the issue, the location affected, and emergency instructions. 

 To Opt-In: Text TuftsAlertGrad to 67283 

*TuftsAlert is Tufts University’s emergency notification system. Once you opt-in to TuftsAlert using the TuftsAlertGrad text, you will start receiving any emergency text messages that are sent through the Monday after Commencement. You may unsubscribe from TuftsAlert at any time by replying LEAVE TuftsAlertGrad.