Ceremony Guidelines
Tickets are required for entry.
An adult must accompany children under 12 at all times. Children are not permitted to march or sit with graduates. Children remain their parents/guardians’ sole responsibility during their ceremony attendance.
Only University authorized photographers and videographers will be allowed access to the stage and the area in front of the stage. No exceptions.
Anyone bringing prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicles, as we do not hold items at the gate.
Accessibility
Marsee Auditorium has limited wheelchair-accessible seating and no elevator is available to access the mezzanine level. Guests with limited mobility are highly encouraged to arrive early as seating is first-come, first-served and accessible seating is limited.
Photography
Guests are encouraged to bring personal cameras to document this celebratory occasion from their seats. Due to the auditorium’s seat layout and narrow aisles, guests will not be allowed to approach the stage during the ceremony. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks will not be allowed inside the auditorium.
CDU has contracted with GradImages, a professional photography company, to capture close-up photos of each graduate. Graduates receive 20% off their entire GradImages order when they pre-register for their ceremony photos online.
Prohibited Items
- No weapons of any kind (e.g., guns, ammunition, pocket knives, pepper spray)
- No smoking of any kind (includes vaping and e-cigarette products)
- No alcoholic beverages
- No drugs or drug paraphernalia
- No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks
- No laser pointers
- No balloons of any kind
- No beach balls, frisbees, or other inflatable items
- No confetti, glitter, or Silly String
- No musical instruments, air horns, or other noise makers of any kind
- No aerosol products/aerosol cans, glass, aluminum, or metal containers
- No metal utensils or sharp objects
- No picnic baskets or coolers
- No flammable or combustible items
- No fireworks or explosives
- No umbrellas or parasols
- No drones, remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, or other motorized vehicles/devices in the auditorium or on the El Camino campus
- No pets, except ADA-recognized service animals. Certifications will be verified before entry. Service animals must be:
- Trained, legitimate ADA and CDPA assistive animals.
- With the Handler at all times and remain leashed, tethered, or harnessed, or otherwise under the Handler’s control through voice, signal, or other effective commands.
- Vaccinated and tagged as a guide, signal, or service dog as legally required. Anyone bringing an animal to the venue will be responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.
Any animal posing an immediate or direct threat to the safety or health of others will be removed from the venue. Emotional support or companion animals are not included as Service Animals and will not be permitted inside the venue.