In this communication:
- Outline of Commencement for Graduating Students & Maximum of 2 Guests
- Cap & Gown Ordering – Deadline 4/2
- Commencement RSVP link
Class of 2020,
As always, we hope this message finds you, your family, and friends in good health and spirits. We are all looking forward to celebrating graduation with those of you planning to return to campus on May 22 for our special commencement for the Class of 2020.
Thank you to all of you who completed the survey on commencement options. The following scenarios are based on your collective responses and where New York State Guidance is today.
- We will be holding a maximum of three in person ceremonies that will be inclusive of current graduating students and up to a maximum of two guests per graduate. See initial timing below.
- The number of ceremonies will be dependent upon how NYS Guidance evolves in terms of the capacity and physical distancing allowed inside Cheel Arena; and how many of you register in advance to participate.
- As we have done in past years, all ceremonies will have video options for remote guests.
- Under current NYS guidance, all in person participants inclusive of both students and guests will be required to submit proof of a negative result from COVID-19 testing and meet all NYS travel advisory guidelines/ mandatory quarantines in effect on the dates of the ceremonies. More details on the process for sharing this information will be forthcoming based on evolving NYS guidance.
We are currently basing our assumptions on press conference information from Governor Cuomo regarding usage of arenas and what gives us the maximum number of participants.
The current plan is to use Saturday, May 22 (Graduate Ceremony & Undergraduate Ceremonies) with the maximum of three ceremonies if needed. We expect to finalize plans in early April based on the status of federal, state and local health directives at that time, that may still include guidance on large gatherings and travel.
Based on the graduate survey response, we know that having an in-person ceremony, regalia, and allowing up to two guests are important factors to our graduates. We ensured that these factors were considered when creating the Commencement plan outlined here. We know many peer institutions are limiting ceremony options as well and we’re holding some final decisions to support our student interests.
Although we are moving forward with in person Commencement ceremony plans, please bear in mind that we will be required to strictly adhere to all NYS guidelines.
Masks & Face Coverings: Masks will be mandated for everyone while on campus.
There is still time to order your Cap and Gown, but you must act quickly. If the ceremonies are cancelled, we will reimburse for regalia — students who do not attend will not be reimbursed. The deadline to order your cap and gown is Friday, April 2. All caps and gowns must be ordered online through Jostens. If you miss the deadline, the University Bookstore will have regalia available for purchase a week before the event. Questions regarding your order should be directed to The University Bookstore at SM8366@bncollege.com or 315-265-9260.
Anticipated Schedule of Events:
May 22-Saturday
10:30 AM Commencement Ceremony #3 (If Needed)
1:00 PM Commencement Ceremony #1
3:30 PM Commencement Ceremony #2 (If Needed)
Please use this link to RSVP for the May 22 Commencement Ceremony
On Campus Housing will be available. Details will be provided at a later date.
In the interim, any updates will be included on the Commencement Website for more information on the weekend graduation plans and ceremonies.
Commencement Tickets-Limited to 2 guests per graduate
Ticket instructions will be sent out at the end of April, so please watch your email for information. Tickets are not transferable to other students – you must be attending.
If you have questions about the ticket process or you have a new guest with any mobility, vision or hearing concerns, or any other special needs, email commencementtickets@clarkson.edu.
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