We are pleased to announce that, health conditions permitting, we plan to hold 2021 Commencement ceremonies in person. To accommodate our degree candidates in a safe, physically-distanced layout, we have split our traditional Saturday ceremony into two for May 2021: graduate degrees will be awarded Friday 28 May at 5 p.m. and undergraduate degrees will be awarded Saturday 29 May at 2 p.m.
Health conditions permitting, each degree candidate will be able to to host two in-person guests. In a departure from prior years, tickets will be required for guests to attend.
Awards for degree candidates are typically presented the day before Commencement at the spring Convocation ceremony. The College will not be able to host a Convocation this year due to the need to accommodate two graduation events. In the alternative, awards to seniors will be presented at a separate event Thursday 27 May and awards to graduate students will be presented during their Commencement ceremony Friday.
The receptions for graduate degree recipients and guests will not be held this year. Instead, we will distribute a reception basket to go to each degree recipient with provisions for four people. Garden Party will not be held on Saturday, but we will distribute a Garden Party basket to go with provisions for four people after the undergraduate ceremony.
We plan our commencement ceremony months in advance and most likely will be unable to enact any late changes or updates, should the health situation improve. Thank you for understanding.
The College still looks forward to hosting an in-person ceremony for members of the Class of 2020 informed by evolving travel guidance from public health experts and impact of vaccination programs.