Wagner College has announced the revision of its earlier plans for commencement ceremonies this spring.
Each graduating student will be permitted to invite two guests to attend their commencement program.
This change was allowed by a loosening of restrictions by the state of New York.
For the latest on scheduling for Wagner College's multiple commencement events, visit our commencement website.
Previously, graduation programs in New York during the coronavirus pandemic were restricted to 150 participants. Under this cap, Wagner College had planned three commencement events for the Class of 2021, and at least one commencement event for the Class of 2020, each with no guests.
“The college was deeply unhappy with this restriction, but we had no choice in the matter,” said Wagner College Provost Jeffrey Kraus, who is responsible for organizing commencement activities.
New York State’s new graduation regulations allow as many as 500 to attend events like the commencement programs planned by Wagner College. If the college permits the 150 graduating students expected to attend each commencement event to invite two guests each, those events will stay within the new state limits.
“We’re grateful that the state adjusted its requirements,” Kraus said. “That adjustment allows loved ones to be there with their students at the successful conclusion of all their hard work.”
The Class of 2020, whose commencement last May was suspended by the Covid shutdown, will have ceremonies on Wagner College’s Sutter Oval, the traditional site of commencements, on Saturday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Eastern.
For the Class of 2021, commencement on the Sutter Oval will take place on Thursday, May 27 in three ceremonies at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
In the event of rain, ceremonies will be held the following day at the same location and same time.
Free webcasts of all commencement events be streamed live on the Wagner College Facebook page, and recordings of all events will be posted on the college website the following week.
Eligible graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 have already been contacted with details about their commencement programs. Guests will have to provide proof of either full coronavirus vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test, and guest registrations will not be transferable. Access to the Sutter Oval during all commencement programs will be restricted, and all guests will be required to check in before entry.
Members of the Class of 2021 who are attending classes on campus have been told that they may pick up their commencement attire at the college bookstore. Members of the Class of 2020, and members of the Class of 2021 not attending classes on campus, have been given instructions on how to order their commencement attire online.
