MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine is planning to hold an in-person commencement ceremony to celebrate spring 2021 graduates and the completion of their academic journey.
“Commencement ceremonies are momentous occasions for our students, their families, and our University community, and we are excited to be celebrating in person this spring,” said Chancellor Marilyn J. Wells.
Additional details will be shared soon regarding date, time and location as well as the number of guests that each graduate will be able to invite to the in-person commencement ceremony.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of students, guests and campus communities remains of paramount importance. The ceremony will follow requirements for masking, physical distancing, and state and federal guidelines for gatherings, including:
— All students, guests and employees will be required to wear face masks and maintain physical distancing from others to help minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
— All guests who will be attending the in-person commencement ceremony are expected to follow health and safety guidelines when traveling and during commencement weekend.
— Graduating students who would like to be tested for COVID-19 before attending the commencement ceremony will be able to do so by obtaining a test kit on campus.
The University is prepared to adjust plans, including shifting to a fully virtual ceremony, if needed, based on changing virus conditions or changes in public health guidelines.
University-wide virtual commencement ceremony
Penn State will also be hosting a University-wide virtual commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 9. Graduates may join this University-wide virtual ceremony to celebrate their graduation from Penn State in addition to their participation in the Penn State Brandywine ceremony, or if they and their family members are unable to attend the campus ceremony or prefer to participate virtually.
Celebrating 2020 graduates
Although the May commencement ceremony will only be for Spring 2021 graduates, the University remains committed to inviting the Class of 2020, including graduates from spring, summer and fall, and their guests back for in-person gatherings.
In partnership with the Penn State Alumni Association and in consultation with alumni representatives, the University is planning for a special weekend in spring 2022 to celebrate the members of the class of 2020. More information and a specific date will be forthcoming as the University continues to develop plans to welcome recent graduates and their families back to campuses next spring with a variety of activities and events.
Penn State Brandywine will share information about an on-campus celebration for 2020 graduates when details are available.