To maintain a safe and celebratory environment for our graduates and their guests, security procedures for Marist's Commencement exercises are detailed below.

Celebrating our students

Guests are asked to behave in a manner that is consistent with the celebratory spirit of the day and Marist’s community standards. Unruly, disruptive, or illegal behavior is prohibited. Any guest who acts in an unsafe manner, presenting hazard or risk to persons or property may be subject to removal from the venue.

Prohibited Items

• Alcohol
• Artificial noisemakers
• Banners, Signs, and Flags
• Drones 
• Fireworks or any explosives
• Helium Balloons
• Inappropriate, inflammatory, or offensive clothing 
• Laser Pointers
• Pets (except for documented service animals)
• Unapproved promotional item (including pamphlets, handouts, or materials)
• Weapons (regardless of permit)

The above list of prohibited items is not exhaustive. The College, in its sole discretion, may require that other items be removed and/or be prohibited from the Commencement exercises if they are deemed to present a hazard or risk to persons or property at the venue.

Safety and security information 

The safety and security of our Marist community and guests is important to us. Should you need it, EMTs from Marist and the Fairview Fire Department are onsite to provide medical assistance. 

In case of a medical or safety issue, please reach out to a safety and security team member, find a Commencement staff member, or in the event of an emergency, call 911. 

All Marist security officers are NYS Certified by the Department of State. The College collaborates with the police agencies that service the College and the surrounding area. They are: the Town and City of Poughkeepsie Police Departments, The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, and the New York State Police. 

Key contact information: 

• Marist Security General 24/7 Office Phone: (845) 575-3282
• Medial/Safety Emergency: Call 911 

Evacuation plan

In the event of an evacuation, Marist will make a public announcement to Commencement attendees, send a MaristAlert text message to our campus community, and post a notice on the College’s website. Please follow these evacuation instructions:

• Calmly evacuate in an orderly manner as directed by the public address system, security officers, and law enforcement on site. Marist coordinates with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police and Fire Departments on campus evacuation protocols.