Commencement

Celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2021

We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 in two in-person commencement ceremonies on May 8, 2021.

• The Class of 2021 Commencement will be held at 1 p.m.
• The Class of 2020 Commencement will be held at 5 p.m.

To ensure the health and safety of all Albion students, faculty, staff and guests, we must follow some guidelines that were developed with input from local health authorities. Masks are required for participation at all events, and physical distancing will be enforced.

Guests

Graduates will each receive two tickets for guests. While we know this limitation will be disappointing for many, we must limit attendance to 1,000 for each event to comply with the current Michigan Epidemic Order. We will be live streaming both Commencements so your extended family and friends can participate remotely. Information on how to obtain your tickets and view the live streamed Commencements will be shared soon.

Student, Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Testing

All current students, faculty and staff will be tested on May 3, 4 or 5. Additional details on the testing process will be shared in the coming weeks. When you receive a negative test result, you will receive a yellow button that you are required to wear throughout the weekend festivities. If you test positive, consistent with our Together Safely guidance, you will need to quarantine and will be unable to participate in commencement activities.

Guest COVID-19 Clearance and Testing

Only invited guests with Commencement tickets may attend the in-person ceremony.

Upon arrival, guests with tickets must go to the COVID-19 clearance station (drive-thru in an Albion parking lot to be determined) where they must either:

• Show documentation of completed COVID-19 vaccination process before April 23.
• Provide documentation from their county health department or medical provider showing they tested positive for COVID-19 on or after February 7. Individuals who have tested positive since February 7 are exempt from our testing.
• Receive a rapid antigen test on site.

All guests must register for a specific time on May 7 or 8 to show their documentation or receive the rapid antigen test. Email registration details will be available in early April. Questions regarding the COVID-19 clearance process may be directed to .

Once guests have gone through the COVID-19 Clearance station, they will receive a yellow button they will be required to wear for all festivities on campus. Those without buttons will be asked to leave campus.

We recommend guests arrive early to allow time for the documentation review and/or testing process, parking and to secure their seats.

If someone in the vehicle tests positive for COVID-19, every person in the vehicle will not be allowed to leave the vehicle and must depart campus immediately.

Commencement Set Up

Chairs will be arranged 6 feet apart in pods of two, allowing guests who traveled together to sit together.

The current epidemic order ends on April 19. We will monitor changes in capacity and gathering limits and, if needed, adjust plans accordingly. If there are significant changes that impact Commencement participants and guests, we will communicate them as soon as possible.

Weather

To allow in-person guests, the Commencement ceremonies will be outdoors. Please be sure to dress for the weather. Thunderstorms could cause a delay for the day’s events. In case of inclement weather, check this page (albion.edu/commencement) for information and updates.

Caps and Gowns

The deadline to order caps and gowns in April 21 deadline. Caps and gowns can be ordered online from the Albion College Bookstore.