Clear Bag Policy in Effect for Fall Graduate School Commencement in Complex

Clear bags, similar to the one pictured above, are required for the Fall Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 11 at VSU's PE Complex.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University (VSU) is making a change to Fall Commencement this December. The Graduate School Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 11 in the Complex, will have a clear bag policy in place. The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, set for Dec. 12 on VSU’s Front Lawn, is not impacted by this policy.

The decision comes after a clear bag policy was implemented earlier this fall for all home Blazer Athletic events. That includes the Complex, which hosts Lady Blazer Basketball, Blazer Basketball, and Blazer Volleyball.  

“A clear bag policy at Commencement helps ensure the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests,” said Dr. Chris Hughes, police chief and director of public safety at VSU. “It is also consistent with the clear bag policy for home Blazer athletic events as the Complex is an athletic venue.”

Bag checks will be set up at the external doors of the Complex.

Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags; one-gallon clear plastic storage bags, small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", diaper bags accompanying a child; and medically necessary bags. All bags (including clear bags) will be subject to inspection prior to and during the event.    

Prohibited bags include but are not limited to any non-clear bag larger than 4.5" x 6.5" such as purses, backpacks, duffle bags, coolers, camera/computer bags, binocular cases, fanny packs, briefcases or drawstring bags.

Students and guests with questions about this policy or other Fall Commencement topics can email commencement@valdosta.edu to get answers.

Please note, in the event of inclement weather, the Undergraduate Ceremony could be moved to the Complex and broken up into two ceremonies. If that happens, the clear bag policy would be in effect for those ceremonies as well.

More on the Web:

VSU’s Commencement Webpage: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/president/commencement/

Valdosta State University: https://www.valdosta.edu/