2021 Commencement Guidelines
Worcester | 2021
State officials recently addressed health safety guidelines for holding commencement ceremonies this year. These guidelines pertain to colleges, universities, both public and private K-12 schools, and will allow the ceremonies to be held inside or outside this year at public locations including ballrooms, private clubs, party rooms, stadiums, arenas, and ball parks.
Here’s what you need to know:
Capacity Limits
The ceremony must adhere to the capacity limits for the venue they are using and be held in a space that can accommodate six-foot separation between groups. For indoor ceremonies, spaces must be able to accommodate 6 feet of social distancing between groups, according to the guidance. Capacity limits are based on the type of venue. For example, a commencement at an indoor theatre or concert hall must follow the state’s guidance for theatres and performance venues. Graduations at spaces like ballrooms or private clubs must follow the guidelines for indoor and outdoor events. For outdoor events held at an event venue (e.g., hotels, private clubs, and space available for lease) or in a public setting (e.g., public parks) a host must limit the number of attendees at all times to no more than 150 persons
Reception
No food, drink, or receptions are allowed, and guests are limited to six per graduate. Guests must register in advance and attest that they will not attend if they have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, close contact with an infected person, or are under a doctor or public health official’s order to isolate or quarantine.
Masks
The guidelines also list required hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, such as hand sanitizer being available in various locations around the venue.
Post-Ceremony
After the ceremony, graduates and guests, including faculty, administrators, and speakers, will be required to disclose to the college, university or school if they test positive for COVID-19 so cleaning and disinfecting and contact tracing can happen, per the guidance.
The guidance, issued by the Department of Labor Standards in consultation with the Department of Public Health, took effect Monday, March 22, 2021.
As commencement specialists, Revelation has the tools needed to produce an engaging Commencement Ceremony for your school regardless of venue or format. From live events to virtual ceremonies, on location or in studio, large venues or small, Revelation provides your viewers with the best possible experience using a tailored synergy of audio, video, lighting, and live streaming solutions. Social distancing often requires larger viewing screens and audio speakers capable of encompassing the crowd. Outdoor ceremonies require screens that can be seen in any light or weather, such as Revelation’s 24 feet high, 17′ x 10′ LED screen.
