San Diego State plans 'robust' safety measures for this weekend's commencement

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego State University has announced its plans for the graduation ceremonies taking place this weekend at Viejas Arena, including the return of extra safety measures.

"As part of the university's comprehensive commencement planning each year, SDSU has robust safety measures in place," the university said Thursday morning in a statement.

This includes the usage of metal detectors at the arena's entrance for ticketed visitors, SDSU said, which was implemented last year.

"As previously planned, the university is expanding the safety practice to our graduates as well, beginning with this year’s commencement ceremonies, and moving forward for future ceremonies," the statement continued.

Nine separate ceremonies are planned as part of SDSU's commencement weekend, which expects to celebrate the graduation of nearly 12,000 students.

Ceremonies take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All students participating in commencement activities are required to present their student or government-issued picture ID, the university said. The guidance for all graduating students can be found here.

Just last week, over a hundred SDSU students walked out of class, building off similar actions seen at other college campuses nationwide calling for university administration to cut financial ties with Israel and show support for Palestinian members of the community. Following the walkout, a counter-protest was organized by Jewish students who said they are still trying to heal from the unprecedented raid by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

The commencement ceremony at UC San Diego is scheduled for Saturday, June 15 at RIMAC Field. The commencement ceremonies for students at California State University, San Marcos is set for next weekend on May 17 and 18. Meanwhile, the University of San Diego has seven different ceremonies scheduled beginning next weekend until May 26.

Pro-Palestinian rallies have also taken place at both UCSD and USD in recent weeks.