Commencement security information for guests and graduates
Please remain alert to these pages for the most up-to-date security information—thank you.
Graduation is a special event, one that is personal to each family present. Please know that our primary concern is the comfort, health, and happiness of our graduates and their guests.
There will be metal detectors in place at Killian Court (see ceremony schedule) and a number of items are prohibited; please discuss these measures with your party so everyone knows what to expect. Attendees are advised to pack lightly for the day because all items taken into all ceremony venues are subject to search—the less they are carrying, the more quickly the party will be able to proceed through security.
The following items are PERMITTED in ceremony venues:
- Snacks and beverages in plastic or paper/cardboard packaging. Plastic bottles, juice boxes, and disposable coffee cups are all ok. Water is available free of charge inside Killian Court.
- Cameras
- Phones
- Diaper bags that do not exceed 16x16x6 inches (or approximately 40x40x15 centimeters) and related items (formula, juice boxes, wipes, creams, diapers, toys, etc.)
- Strollers are permitted but discouraged and will have to be left in the stroller corral during the ceremony
- Purses or similar, personal small bags, including tote bags and briefcases. Personal bags of this nature should be no larger than 16x16x6 inches (or approximately 40x40x15 centimeters)
- Reading material, whether printed or electronic (iPad, Kindle, etc.)
- Laptops and tablets
- Keys
- Personal medical supplies
- Umbrellas (NOTE: umbrellas may not be open during ceremonies)
The following items are PROHIBITED in ceremony venues:
- Bags with wheels
- Bags whose size exceeds 16x16x6 inches (or approximately 40x40x15 centimeters)
- Wrapped gifts
- Glass or metal bottles and containers
- Firearms, knives (including pocketknives), and other weapons
- Scissors, box cutters, and other sharp objects
- Mace, pepper spray, or similar substances
- Drones
- Large objects
- Balloons
- Noisemakers, megaphones, and amplification systems
- Poles or sticks (including selfie sticks)
Please note that MIT reserves the right to prohibit any item from being brought into ceremony venues; prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned.
Attendees may carry an umbrella to outdoor ceremonies, but open umbrellas are not permitted while seated. Obstructing others’ views is not permitted. Staff will be quick to preserve sight lines for grads, family, and friends.
Guests are asked to consider the appearance of some objects, such as key ring tools/accessories, and leave anything that could be perceived as dangerous at home or in the hotel room. Service animals are welcome at Commencement ceremonies, but no other pets of any size will be permitted inside ceremony venues.
Guests are advised to carry government-issued ID (such as driver’s licenses, state ID cards, or passports).
Ceremony venue rules
The following rules apply at MIT Commencement ceremony venues:
- Attendees must comply with the law and all existing MIT policies and guidelines.
- Blocking or impeding pathways to or in graduation venues is prohibited.
- On public property, attendees must comply with the requirements of state and local authorities and must keep all pathways of travel clear.
- Leafletting inside graduation venues is prohibited.
- The display of posters, banners, flags, or similar items of any size is prohibited inside all graduation venues.
- Only graduating students are allowed in the seating section for graduates.