[Important Information for Students] Plans for Class of 2021 Graduation

[Office of the President]

Dear Cardinal Community and Class of 2021 Graduates,

I am pleased to write to you today to share the college's plan for an
in-person Commencement celebration for the Class of 2021.

Our commencement surveys, focus groups, and my own conversations with
students this semester revealed our graduates' top priority is this -- to
walk in-person across the stage for their diploma.

As a first-generation student, I understand this desire, and I know the
milestone that graduation represents. I want to acknowledge how challenging
this year has been for everyone. Each of us, students, faculty and staff,
have navigated the pandemic and done so much under the most challenging
conditions. Our college’s resilience and drive has shown what Cardinal
Strong means and now is the time to celebrate.

So, with consideration of New York State Department of Health guidelines
for graduation events and county Health Department guidance, we are
planning to hold a series of five smaller, in-person commencement
ceremonies on Saturday, May 15 in the Field House gymnasium. Here are
details we know now:

   - *Attendance: *This will be limited to the Class of 2021 graduating
   seniors and graduate students. Class members can anticipate an email soon
   with more details on their particular ceremony, time and registration
   instructions. All participants will need proof of vaccination or a negative
   COVID test within 72 hours, per New York State requirements. We are working
   to determine whether and how many faculty may be able to attend.

   - *In-Person Events:* Graduates will be assigned a specific graduation
   time based on their major and school. This will be shared to each graduate
   by email soon as noted above. We are planning start times of 8 a.m., 10
   a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the events. We are also creating a 6 p.m.
   online ceremony option available for those unable to attend in person. The
   events will include some elements of our traditional ceremony.

   - *Guests:* Because of health department guidelines family and friends
   will not be able to attend the in-person ceremonies. I understand this is
   disappointing. Everyone, including me, wishes guests could be included.
   However, we will be sharing each graduating group’s celebration via
   livestream. Recordings will also be online after the program. Please
   understand guests or spectators will not be allowed to enter the Field
   House or other campus facilities due to ongoing COVID restrictions.

   - *Health and Safety:* We are following guidance from the state and SUNY
   that limits attendance regardless of size or location. Masking, distancing,
   and other directions will apply. We have considered other venues, and
   whether to host outside, but limitations are strict, and our seating
   capacities limited. SUNYAC athletics, for example, is not allowing
   spectators at any venues this season.

These plans are contingent on the public health situation and state
guidance. Should COVID-19 cases on campus or in the region increase
markedly, we may be forced to change plans. However, we are optimistic and
moving forward with these plans.

I know commencement is the highlight of our students' time at the college.
And although I wish that we could all be together, for health and safety
reasons we cannot. However, the entire Cardinal Family will be together in
spirit during each of these graduation events.

I look forward to celebrating with each member of the Class of 2021 this
May!

Alexander Enyedi
President
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