Guidelines and Policies

General Commencement Policies

• All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult during the ceremony.
• No alcohol (including alcohol leis) or controlled substances will be permitted at Azusa Pacific University commencement ceremonies or any commencement-related receptions or events.
• No persons under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance will be permitted at Azusa Pacific University ceremonies or any commencement-related receptions or events.
• No comfort or emotional support animals will be allowed into Azusa Pacific University ceremonies or any commencement-related receptions or events.
• All caps (mortarboards) and gowns must be Azusa Pacific University-approved for all commencement ceremonies. All cords and medallions must be from organizations or honors officially recognized by Azusa Pacific University.
• Clothing and adornments (e.g., hats, leis) must not be politically charged and must not use profanity or discriminatory language.
• Azusa Pacific University is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal property.
• Anything perceived as a weapon must not be carried or worn.
• Purses, backpacks, or other large personal items must not be carried by graduates.
• No noise makers, confetti, or pyrotechnic devices will be permitted and may not be used in the Felix Event Center or Cougar Athletic Stadium.
• No balloons are permitted into any Azusa Pacific University commencement ceremonies.
• No items (food products, beach balls, etc.) shall be thrown at any time in the Felix Event Center or Cougar Athletic Stadium.
• No strollers allowed inside Felix Event Center.
• Unopened water bottles and empty liquid canisters are permitted—there are water fountains inside Felix Event Center to fill your personal canisters.

Cap (Mortarboard) Policy

• Graduates must wear the approved Azusa Pacific University mortarboard or tam. No other hat or head adornment may be worn (e.g., baseball cap).
• Personal décor on Azusa Pacific University approved caps (mortarboards) is allowed within the following parameters:
  1. Caps must not contain any offensive language or the perception that offensive language is being used.
  2. Décor must not hang over any part of the board.
  3. Décor must not dangle down from the top of the mortarboard and/or obstruct the person’s head, face, view of the person, or the view of others in any way.
  4. Cap décor must not contain any political figures or political language promoting a personal opinion on political issues.

Gown Policy

Graduates must wear the approved Azusa Pacific University gowns and abide by the following guidelines:

• Gowns must extend beyond the knee.
• Clothing must be worn under the approved Azusa Pacific University gown.
• Gowns must be completely zipped up before lining up to walk across the stage.
• No decoration may be added to the approved Azusa Pacific University gown.
• No accessory or clothing may be added to the approved Azusa Pacific University gown (beyond the approved cords).

Regalia Policy

• All cords and medallions must be from organizations or honors officially recognized by Azusa Pacific University.
• Military who are current active duty personnel may wear their uniform in lieu of Azusa Pacific University approved commencement regalia.
• Stoles include small pockets for cell phones, keys, etc. Azusa Pacific University is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal property.

 

Azusa Pacific University reserves the right to refuse admittance if policy is not followed.