The Countdown to Marist Commencement is here!

We know graduates and their families have been patiently waiting for details about Marist Commencement Exercises. New York State has imposed very strict guidelines on what the College can and cannot do, and most New York colleges and universities are having either virtual ceremonies or in-person ceremonies with no guests. Parents are an integral part of any commencement ceremony, and we have been working to try to accommodate the needs of both our graduates and their families. I am pleased to announce that Marist is able to hold in-person ceremonies with a limited number of guests.

In order to do this, two ceremonies will be held:

Saturday, May 29 at 12 noon on the Campus Green for students (graduate and undergraduate) in the School of Communication and the Arts, School of Computer Science and Mathematics, and School of Science. Two guests will be allowed per graduate.

Sunday, May 30 at 12 noon on the Campus Green for students (graduate and undergraduate) in the School of Liberal Arts, School of Management, School of Professional Programs, and School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Two guests will be allowed per graduate.

We would have preferred to have only one ceremony, but this is impossible because of capacity restrictions and mandatory social distancing requirements. We are planning to provide the best experience we can, but New York State regulations, which also call for a shortened ceremony, are very limiting.  

We are still in the midst of a global pandemic, and these plans are subject to change as required by local, regional, state, or federal health mandates. We understand some families may prefer to watch the ceremony remotely, and this is encouraged. Family members who participate remotely will be no less part of the ceremony.   

Without exception, all attendees (graduates and guests) must have one of the following:

• Proof of having completed the COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the date of the event.
• Proof of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days and full recovery. 
• A negative diagnostic test result for COVID-19 using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or DOH authorized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs) of comparable analytical sensitivity performance that was performed on a specimen (e.g., swab) collected within 72 hours of the event.

According to New York State guidelines, “Any individual who fails to present a negative diagnostic test result or proof of immunization, as required, must be denied entry to the event.”

Information for students concerning required documentation for participating in Commencement is contained on the commencement website (marist.edu/commencement).

Information on how to become an approved guest is forthcoming (marist.edu/commencement).

The Marist campus will be closed to all other visitors during Commencement Exercises. Only authorized guests will be allowed on campus. Guest passes are not transferrable. Social distancing, masks, and other protocols will be enforced. Please refer to the commencement website for more information and continue to check the site for updates.

Completing one’s degree in such trying circumstances takes a tremendous amount of hard work and determination. We look forward to celebrating our graduates’ achievements during 2021 Commencement Exercises.

Thomas S. Wermuth
Vice President for Academic Affairs