Class of 2020 Commencement FAQ

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Updated July 27, 2021

The University looks forward to welcoming graduates from the Class of 2020 and their guests (two per graduate) for Commencement Weekend, July 30 – August 1. Updated plans are reflected below.

Where is Commencement Weekend 2020 Check-In and what time is it open?

The Commencement Weekend Welcome Center will be located in Appleton Arena and will be open Friday, July 30 from 3 – 10 p.m. and Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Please make the Welcome Center your first stop in Canton to check-in and receive your event wristband, while graduates staying on campus will pick up their rooming information and welcome gift.  You will need to show your wristband at all events! (Those who are attending Sunday only will check-in at the Newell Atrium).

What COVID requirements must I be prepared to show in order to participate?

Graduates and guests must provide one (1) of the following three options upon arrival to campus:

  • Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination with the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine (at least two weeks after a second dose of the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the single-dose J&J vaccine. In order to meet vaccination requirements, your final dose would need to be received no later than July 18.)

 or

  • a positive COVID-19 test, dated May 1- July 20 

or

  • a negative PCR nasal test, taken no earlier than July 27;  be prepared to show your negative results upon check-in.

Documentation

For proof of vaccination status, please bring the hard copy of your CDC-issued vaccination card, not a photo.

If you live in New York State, you may use the NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet smartphone app to add your pass. Download your preferred software via the App Store or Google Play.

Testing documentation, also in hard copy, should include:

  • Name and birthdate of individual tested
  • Date of test
  • Type of test
  • Test result
  • Laboratory name and identification

Check with your local Public Health department or medical provider for the PCR test site nearest you.  

What is the schedule of events for Commencement Weekend?

In partnership with Class of 2020 leadership, the Student Life team is excited to share the Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events for graduates. While the majority of events are intended for the Class of 2020 graduates to be together, guests making the trip to Canton are invited to participate in the noted events.

Where will Commencement be held and what time is the ceremony?

The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Newell Field House on Sunday, August 1, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. Doors will open for graduates and guests at 8 a.m.  Please do not plan to arrive earlier as your safety and that of other guests depends on staff being prepared for you. We thank you!

Where do I go at the Newell Field House for Commencement?

Graduates:

Plan to enter Newell through the overhead door at the end of the Field House that is nearest the Ski Suite / Leithead Field House.  Please use this entrance and not the main entrance.  Please be prepared to show your registration wristband.  Staff will have lists of the names of registered grads; those not on the list will not be allowed to enter.

Once you are greeted by the staff and welcomed, you’ll enter Newell Field House and find your seat, which will be labeled by a card with your name on it.  Please keep this card.  It will be the card that you hold up when you reach the stage so the Dean can read your name. 

Guests:

Ticket pick-up will be at the Newell Atrium near the entryway across from Leckonby Stadium / the Victory Bell.  Once greeted, you will be sent to a table organized alphabetically by your graduate’s last name.  Those verified guests with photo ID and wristbands will pick up their tickets and proceed to the ceremony.  Those yet to verify photo ID and vaccination or testing status, or those who have removed their wristband, must do so at this time in order to participate.

Guests will proceed down the hallway toward staff who will guide you to the stairs or elevator taking you to the ground level of Newell, where you will show your ticket to staff ushers and enter for seating.  Guest chairs will be set up in clusters of two and will be open seating. 

Guests with accessibility needs will enter the Newell Field House at the same entryway as the graduates.

Commencement will begin promptly at 10 a.m., with an expected duration of two hours.  We appreciate all graduates and guests not having food in the Newell Field House; water will be available for graduates and guests.

Where do I park?

Graduates staying on campus for the weekend are urged to park in B-Lot past Hulett and Jencks.  Parking for the Commencement Ceremony will be available in the athletic lots surrounding Newell including Appleton Arena as well as J-Lot across Park Street.  Please note: J-Lot is closed on Friday and Saturday in preparation for the Saturday evening Fireworks.  Guests requesting accessibility accommodations will be allowed to drop off persons at the back entrance of Newell and proceed on level ground to the seating area after checking in.  Because of pandemic precautions and the lack of student workers on this date, we will not provide shuttle (van or golf cart) service from the parking lots to Newell.

Can the ceremony be moved outside so that more people can attend?

The University does not have an outdoor venue with capacity large enough to accommodate the ceremony. Current State of New York guidelines for graduation ceremonies allow medium-scale venues (including football fields) of up to 33% of venue capacity and a maximum of 500 people. Leckonby Stadium, our largest outdoor venue, has a maximum capacity of 1,500 people.

How can my family watch the Commencement livestream?

Yes! You can watch the livestream of Commencement for the Class of 2020 on our website or by tuning in via the University's Facebook page. 

Is there a way to watch the livestream of Saturday's fireworks, too? 

We’ve got you covered! The fireworks livestream will begin at 9:30 p.m. EDT. Watch it on our website or by tuning in via the University's Facebook page. 

How do I receive my honor cords?

Honor cords are distributed by individual departments or clubs, and are not coordinated by the Bookstore or the Commencement office.  If you expect a cord/sash or other symbol, please contact the department sponsoring the symbol.

What nights will graduates be allowed to stay in campus housing?

Campus housing for graduates will be for the nights of July 30 and July 31.  Graduates should plan to depart by 6 pm on August 1, as is normal after Commencement.  

Similarly, for the protection of our community, campers will not be allowed on campus grounds.  Please note below our sincere request that only the two registered guests travel to our area, as well.

 

I’m a member of the Class of 2020 staying in the dorms. Do I need to bring sheets, pillows, etc.? Anything else I should plan to bring?

Each graduate staying in the dorms will be provided one towel and wash cloth, as well as fitted sheets, a blanket and pillow. 

In addition to personal toiletries, please bring what will make you most comfortable in the dorms in summer.

What is Class Day and who will plan it?

Class Day is an old American college tradition for seniors to mark and celebrate their time together. Saturday, July 31 will be considered Class Day with activities and programming planned in a collaborative way between the Class of 2020 and Student Life administrators. Events will adhere to all COVID-19 safety and gathering restrictions.

Were the Class of 2020 officers involved in the decision?

Yes, University officials met with Class of 2020 officers prior to announcing the new plan.

Can I have more than two guests?

The number of guests is determined by capacity of Newell Field House, specifically, the event can have a total of 1260 people (30% capacity Newell), and that number will include the graduates, staff, speakers, and guests. We are allocating an equitable number of guests for each graduate, and all guests must register in advance.

Can I change the guests I registered?

Tickets for registered guests are non-transferable as staff must also focus on preparing for the Fall semester and changes add to confusion and error.

If the graduate has a sibling attending SLU, can that person come without registering?

All guests must be registered. If the sibling was registered, then they can attend. Guest slots are limited to two per graduate, based upon New York State guidance and capacity limit of Newell Field House.

How can my mobility or accessibility needs be accommodated?

Graduates will be asked to register their guests’ mobility or ASL accessibility requirements so that we can accommodate their participation. We plan to have an ASL interpreter on stage.

Can guests stay in the residence halls?

No.  Unfortunately, due to pandemic-related public health concerns and because the University is preparing for the fall semester, the residence halls are unavailable for guests.

I can't arrive until Sunday. What do I do?

If you’re only able to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, we ask that graduates enter the Guest Entrance (not the Graduate Entrance) of Newell, and present the documentation required of guests.  Once your COVID vaccination or test results are verified, you will be directed to sit alongside classmates.

I can't attend. Will my name be read in absentia?

We must have your permission to read your name in absentia.  You may email commencement@stlawu.edu to inform us of your wish.  Regalia for home was required to be ordered by July 7.

Do unvaccinated attendees have to wear a mask?

Yes. Unvaccinated individuals must wear face masks and respect social distancing. Fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear masks.

Will there be a photographer at Commencement?

Professional photographers are on hand to photograph each senior as they cross the stage; graduates will receive instructions on how to order pictures. 

  • Guests must remain seated; please do not approach the graduates during the senior stage walk portion of the ceremony.
  • Guests are welcome to take personal photos with their seniors after the ceremony. We encourage families to disperse across the campus to do so. 
  • At popular landmarks, please observe physical distancing from others, and be mindful of time to allow all a chance for their turn.

When visiting St. Lawrence, are there are guidelines I have to follow?

While on campus, the University asks that you abide by the following University policies during your time in Canton.

  • Face coverings must be worn by unvaccinated people at all times.
  • Physical/social distancing must be maintained as much as possible.
  • Good hand hygiene is practiced frequently.
  • No guests are allowed in any University buildings other than Newell for the ceremony.

For the health and safety of the broader North Country community, where infection rate ranges from high to very high, St. Lawrence also requests that you:

  • Minimize your time in the region
  • Limit the number of people coming to Canton to only those guests registered to attend the Commencement on Sunday, August 1;
  • Refrain from having or attending any large social gatherings, which are at high risk for virus transmission.