Promising Update for 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

In an email to the Class of 2021 on April 5, Marist College announced it is currently planning for in-person commencement ceremonies for Memorial Day weekend. 

“We ask that graduates hold the dates of Memorial Day weekend, May 29-31, for Marist’s 2021 Commencement Exercises,” the college stated. “Our plan, subject to change given the uncertainty of the pandemic, is to hold the traditional undergraduate ceremony on Sunday, May 30.”

Included in the college’s preparations are multiple contingency plans that may require additional ceremonies falling into May 31. The college continues to advise that families do not make any non-refundable travel arrangements due to unforeseen restrictions and cancellations. 

Source: Tara Guaimano

Working with leaders of the senior class, Marist distributed a survey to the senior class to gather opinions on conducting graduation. The survey included questions on location, attendance of guests, and graduating with academic schools.

The college said they received an overwhelming preference for holding an in-person commencement ceremony on the campus green, even if state regulations require limited attendance. 

“Marist is dedicated to providing as traditional and large a ceremony as allowable by New York State regulations. We anticipate rules concerning social distancing, masks, and limited gathering size to still be in place at the time of graduation,” the email read. 

For a more traditional event, Marist hopes New York State regulations will permit two guests per graduate. If allowed, the college is anticipating there will also be requirements for pre-registration and possible testing for guests. 

However, if these regulations do not permit two guests, the college will offer in-person commencement exercises for graduates only and provide high-quality live streaming for families to watch remotely.

Marist continues to remind the Class of 2021, that due to New York State restrictions on indoor gatherings, the Commencement ceremony will take place outdoors, rain or shine. There will not be an alternative location for an indoor ceremony.