In-Person Commencement Ceremonies Announced Following Updated Guidelines

By: Ravyn Malvino

In accordance with the updated guidance from New York State, Adelphi has announced that in-person Commencement ceremonies will be possible this year for the Class of 2020 and 2021, in addition to the already scheduled Grad Walk Experience and virtual Commencement ceremonies. Students had until May 9 for the option to attend an in-person Commencement ceremony on May 22, 23, 24 or 25.

Students are required to wear graduation attire at in-person Commencement. This means that graduates must wear a cap and gown. Adelphi will cover the cost of each cap and tassel.

Amanda Capasso, a member of the class of 2021, said, “The Grad Walk is a nice idea, but the fact that we’re at a point where we can have larger ceremonies [in-person] means the world to me and my parents.”

Students have been utilizing the in-person Grad Walk experience to celebrate their upcoming graduation. Photo from @adelphiu on instagram.

Each graduating student is allowed to bring two guests to the ceremony. To enter Commencement, each individual must show a form of identification that includes your name and photo such as Adelphi ID card for students, driver’s license, passport or other form of identification for their guests.

Students and guests must also submit documentation of full vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to Commencement) or a negative Covid test. Antibody tests are not permitted. Proof of negative results from a PCR Covid test taken within 72 hours before the ceremony or proof of negative results from an antigen/rapid Covid test taken within six hours before the ceremony are required. Acceptable tests and timing requirements are detailed on the In-Person Commencement Ceremony Vaccination and Testing Requirements page.

Students may upload documentation to the Health Portal through eCampus, on your browser or the AU2GO app. Guests may email their documentation to covidclearance@adelphi.edu, including their graduate’s name and ceremony date and time.

Prior to arrival on campus, students and guests must complete Adelphi’s daily Covid-19 health screening. Students must complete the screening using the AU2GO app and guests should complete the screening using the online Covid-19 Self-check Form.

If any attendee or household member of an attendee is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, no member of the party will be allowed entrance to the Commencement ceremony.

All attendees will be temperature checked upon arrival on campus. Masks must be worn at all times on campus and social distancing is required at all times on campus. Restroom facilities will be limited on campus and refreshments, including water, will not be available at the ceremony.

Students who do not want to attend an in-person Commencement ceremony this May will still have the opportunity to walk across the stage and attend a virtual Commencement. The Adelphi Grad Walk will allow students the opportunity to walk across a decorated Commencement-style stage. The Grad Walk has taken place by appointment from April 26 through April 29 during Senior Week and will continue from May 20 to May 22 in the Ruth S. Harley University Center’s Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom.

Graduates will be allowed to have two guests attend their scheduled Grad Walk. All individuals on campus must comply with Adelphi's health and safety protocols by maintaining social distance, wearing a mask and completing the health screening on the AU2GO app or on a provided paper copy.

Additionally, there will be a professional photographer in attendance to capture the moment and each Grad Walk participant will be given a free photo.

At the Grad Walk, students have the option to wear their cap and gown if they would like to, but do not have to. Each student will also receive a cap and tassel from the University, as well as a diploma cover. Graduates will be allowed to remove their mask when being photographed onstage.

Adelphi schools and colleges will also each hold virtual Commencement ceremonies to recognize graduates and officially confer degrees. These virtual ceremonies will air Monday, May 24 for the Class of 2021 and Tuesday, May 25 for the Class of 2020. The ceremonies will also be recorded and posted online for the Adelphi community to view and share.

Additionally, candidates for 2021 graduation should review required steps and deadlines necessary for formal graduation.

Visit the Commencement website and Commencement FAQs for details, important next steps and deadlines. Also, reach out to commencement@adelphi.edu via email for any questions.