May 20, 2021
Dear Class of 2021 families:
Two weeks ago the campus planning group sent an initial communication regarding the Class of 2021 Commencement weekend events. Thank you for the shared excitement with those plans to celebrate our students in the Class of 2021. Today we are pleased to share an update in our planning.
As documented in our weekly health updates and on our dashboard, we continue to adjust campus activities and policies based on the risk level of virus transmission. We are further guided by COVID protocols in Massachusetts and the number of vaccinated members of our campus community and beyond. As you may know, Massachusetts recently lifted a number of its COVID-related restrictions, including any limits on the size of outdoor gatherings.
With this latest information, we are adjusting our guidelines for Commencement, and are pleased to extend invitations beyond the two guests that were previously permitted. With this exciting news, we share the following updated campus safety protocols for Commencement day:
- We suggest a guiding number of no more than 4 guests per student. You do not need to register in advance.
- If any family members or guests do not feel well that day, they should stay home and enjoy the ceremony on the livestream.
- Upon arrival, families should park and come directly to Greener Quad. Please do not go to dorms in advance of the ceremony.
- Every attendee will be asked to be masked for the ceremony, as we will not have distanced seating.
- Seating will be spread out with video walls to ensure good viewing. There will be no bad seat!
Our severe weather plans remain as they would in any given year. If we are forced to move the ceremony inside (Snyder Center), each student would be limited to 2 ticketed guests.
This latest update applies to the Commencement ceremony only. All other events in the days leading up to Commencement (Prom, Community Convocation, Baccalaureate) will run as previously planned. Families are not permitted to attend these events, and are encouraged to enjoy the Livestream options as noted below.
Commencement Dress for Seniors
Commencement is one of Phillips Academy's most formal ceremonies. Students wear attire that honors the significance and specialness of the day. Casual attire, including baseball caps, is not recommended. View photos from previous commencements here.
COVID-19 Safety
To honor the traditions of commencement weekend, some of the events will not readily allow for the distancing and masking that have been in place throughout the past year in almost every environment on campus. We are particularly mindful of the seated dinner in Paresky Commons and the tent designated for dancing on prom evening.
While the majority of our graduating seniors/PGs will be fully vaccinated by this time, we strongly encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to consider getting vaccinated for everyone’s protection. Please reach out to the Sykes Wellness team if you would like your child to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Live Streaming
We understand that this is an important milestone for your student and that you wish to share these moments. We will be live streaming the following events to ensure that all families can experience these celebrations in a safe way:
Promenade (prior to the Prom)
Friday, June 4 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. EDT
Baccalaureate: Saturday
June 5 from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. EDT
Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon EDT
The live-stream links will be shared via email with all families the week of commencement. They will also be posted on the Commencement webpage and accessible to all family and friends wishing to celebrate.
FAQs
We encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions to guide you through this year’s commencement ceremony and answer other questions you may have including student dress, parking, weather and more.
If you have any additional questions beyond what is provided in the Frequently Asked Questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Caroline Rouillard.
Sincerely,
2021 Commencement Committee
