Event Safety & Emergency Procedures

Exceptions will be made for diaper bags, strollers and medically-necessary equipment. Guests who require these items should plan additional time for inspection. Exceptions to the bag policy will also be made for employees and vendors with event-related needs.

Any item or bag that is not otherwise prohibited may be carried inside a clear bag. However, prohibited bags may not be placed in a clear bag in order to gain entry. Clear bags should be treated as a substitute for other types of bags that are not permitted.

Any item that is not otherwise prohibited may be carried inside a clear bag. Small bags will be subject to search.

Yes, you may bring these and other nonprohibited items onto the quad, provided they are carried by hand or inside a clear plastic bag. Camera bags, binocular cases and other large bags are not permitted.

Seat cushions that do not contain a cover or pouch (which could function as a bag) will be permitted. However, seating on the Quad will be on folding chairs, which may not accommodate a cushion designed for bleacher seating.

Items may be left outside the Quad, but lockers or other designated spaces will not be provided for this purpose, and University personnel will not be responsible for holding or watching prohibited items during the event. 

Bucknell has updated its safety procedures in light of a national increase in swatting incidents in recent years, including at Bucknell, and in line with best practices for large-scale events.

If Delayed 

The procession and ceremony may be postponed up to two hours and then remain outdoors as planned. 

If Moved Indoors 

Should heavy rain or other severe weather conditions threaten the outdoor ceremony, the decision to move Commencement to Gerhard Fieldhouse will be made by 6 a.m. Graduates and other campus constituents will be notified via campus alert email; a notice will appear on the Commencement website; and signage will be placed on the entrances to Malesardi Quad and the Elaine Langone Center. 

Indoor Commencement will start at 10 a.m. Each graduate will receive five general admission tickets for the indoor ceremony when they receive their cap and gown. In order to assure that all graduates can be celebrated by selected family and friends, only individuals with tickets will be admitted. Ushers will be on duty to answer questions and to direct individuals with tickets for the indoor ceremony to seating. Guests who do not have tickets can view Commencement by live webcast at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts and Trout Auditorium in the Vaughan Literature Building. Accessible seating is available in both locations as well as the Fieldhouse. Additional viewing locations will be posted on the University website and in the Elaine Langone Center. 

If the event must be moved indoors, graduates will not process. They will take their seats before 9:40 a.m. and will be arranged in the same order whether the ceremony is held inside or outside. A detailed seating chart will be distributed to each graduate before Commencement. Faculty marshals and assistants will be stationed in the area reserved for graduate seating and will seat graduates in the order in which they will receive degrees.

During the ceremony

If a severe weather emergency occurs during the ceremony, you will be instructed to evacuate Malesardi Quad. Stay calm and leave in an orderly manner. Instructions regarding resuming the ceremony indoors will be announced. When the ceremony is ready to resume:

Graduates will proceed to the side entrance of the Fieldhouse, along the creek. University staff and ushers will be stationed and will seat graduates in the order in which they will receive degrees.

Guests with tickets will enter the Fieldhouse from the main entrance.

Guests without tickets may view a live webcast of Commencement from the Weis Center for the Performing Arts or Trouth Auditorium in the Vaughan Literature Building.

Guests with reserved accessible seating will be directed by event staff to proceed to the accessible seating area in the Fieldhouse. Each may be accompanied by one guest to provide assistance.

Tornado Warning

Seek indoor shelter immediately.

• Stay informed with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio, the Bucknell website and emergency updates from the University.
   

Tornado Watch

• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Take shelter if you see any of the following warning signs. Dark, often greenish sky.
• Large hail.
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating).
• An approaching cloud of debris.
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you are unable to take cover:

• Lie flat and cover your head with your hands.
• Watch out for flying debris.

If you are indoors:

• Move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
• Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

Responding to a Bomb Threat

Remain calm. If you are told to evacuate, exit the Quad, following directions provided. Do not activate fire alarms or touch suspicious items.

How to Respond to an Active Shooter 

The general principle of Run, Hide, Fight applies for indoor and outdoor spaces. Please review the following and understand that you would have to decide to Run, Hide or Fight based on your situation.
 

1. Run 

Evacuate the area if possible. Become familiar with exits in advance and be sure to:

• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Evacuate whether or not others agree to follow.
• Generally, do not attempt to move wounded people.
• Go to a safe place, call 911 and wait for first responders to arrive.

2. Hide 

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide. Seek a location that: 

• Is out of the shooter’s view (move away from windows and close blinds).
• Provides protection if shots are fired in your direction.
• Does not trap you or restrict your options for movement.

Take action to prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

• Secure the door (if possible) and blockade the door with heavy furniture.
• Turn off lights, close blinds and stay away from windows.
• Remain quiet and silence your cell phone.
• Watch for emergency text updates.
• If hiding with others, develop an action plan to use in the event a shooter enters, and spread out if possible.

3. Fight 

As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, fight back against the active shooter by: 

• Acting as aggressively as possible.
• Throwing items.
• Using improvised weapons (fire extinguishers, chairs, large objects, sharp objects).
• When law enforcement arrives
• Keep your hands visible (put objects down and raise hands).
• Don’t run toward or grab officers, or make sudden movements.
• Don’t scream.
• Follow the officers’ directions.

For more information, watch the Active Shooter Preparedness video. 

EMT services will be on site for the duration of the ceremony. The first aid room is located in Vaughan Literature Room 101. Please see any usher or security personnel if you need assistance or directions to first aid.