Commencement to include additional security measures

Pitt Executive Vice Chancellor Jerome Cochran sent an email to graduating students Tuesday… Pitt Executive Vice Chancellor Jerome Cochran sent an email to graduating students Tuesday evening outlining security procedures for the commencement ceremony this Sunday at the Petersen Events Center.

According to the email, security measures for the event this year will include bag searches, pat-downs and visual checks. The added precautions, which will be taken in addition to normal safety procedures, likely come in response to the disruptions caused by the recent string of bomb threats on Pitt’s campus.

As usual, weapons, fireworks, cans, bottles and containers of any kind won’t be allowed into the Pete during the event. Additionally, backpacks, packages and oversized purses are prohibited from this year’s event.

“Please leave any items that may be in question in your vehicle or other location as we will not be providing any bag-check service to hold your items,” Cochran said in the email.

As part of the added security measures, students will also need to present their Pitt IDs when checking into the lawn-level Recreation Center entrance designated for graduates.

“Graduates should have their Pitt ID with them at all times throughout the day,” Cochran said in the message.

The email also requested graduating students arrive early for the 1 p.m. ceremony. Commencement participants and attendees will be able to enter the Pete beginning at 11 a.m.