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Commencement Health and Safety Guidelines

With hundreds expected on campus throughout Commencement weekend, we are taking steps to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

All guests will be asked to comply with these Commencement Health and Safety Guidelines, which include masking in specific facilities and on shuttles, as well as providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Students must comply with the College’s vaccination policy and with these mask requirements.

Please note: Students will not need to provide proof of vaccination.

Mask Requirements (applicable to all students and guests)
The University of Mount Saint Vincent is requiring masks at all indoor Commencement events, including the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Cardinal Hayes Auditorium, and the Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center. In these locations, students walking across the stage will be able to remove their masks for photographs only when being hooded or accepting academic awards. Masks will be required on the College’s shuttle buses and vans. Masks will be available at the entrance of each indoor event. Masks will not be required in outdoor areas including the Commencement Ceremony on the Great Lawn.

COVID-19 Vaccination/Test Requirements
All guests, ages 5 and over, will need to provide proof of vaccination for all indoor Commencement events. Boosters are not required.

  • A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination. Moderna and Pfizer require two shots; Johnson & Johnson requires one shot.
  • The College’s acceptable vaccines include those approved for use in the U.S., accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or approved by the World Health Organization.
  • Acceptable vaccination documentation includes:
    • A vaccination card (or copy/photo of it) with a photo ID.
    • NYS Excelsior or other state-issued pass.
    • Vaccine passport.
  • Allow additional time for COVID-19 documentation and security checks. We recommend that guests arrive at least one hour prior to the start of the event. Please allow additional time if guests have mobility/physical disabilities.

Additional Health and Safety Requirements
Any student or guest who has COVID symptoms on the day of the event, or who has tested positive for COVID within five days prior to the event should not attend any Commencement events at the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Commencement Events
Unable to make it to campus? Not to worry! Commencement celebrations will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. You may access specific livestream sessions in the schedule below, or may visit our University of Mount Saint Vincent livestream page to explore live and upcoming events.

Baccalaureate Mass and Hooding
Friday, May 20, 2022 | 4 PM
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Founders Hall (indoors)
Masks required; proof of vaccination required

Reception
Friday, May 20, 2022 | 5:15 PM
Grace Plaza (outdoors)
Rain Location: New Gym (indoors)
If indoors: Masks required; proof of vaccination required

Honors Convocation
Friday, May 20, 2022 | 6:30 PM
Cardinal Hayes Auditorium (indoors)
Masks required; proof of vaccination required

Commencement
Saturday, May 21, 2022 | 10 AM
Great Lawn (outdoors)