Dear Graduates and Families:

As a follow-up to the May 1, 2021 communication, we are writing to provide additional information for Marist’s in-person commencement exercises for the Class of 2021 on Saturday May 29 and Sunday May 30.  

As a reminder, each participating graduate will be permitted two guests. We encourage all graduates to work with their parents and families to determine who will be present for the in-person ceremonies. Those not in attendance can enjoy the ceremonies through live stream access offered by the College on the day of the event. 

Guests
Students must pre-register their two guests by noon on May 21. Registration is now open and can be accessed on the welcome page of myMarist after log in. All guests will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions to complete a mandatory attestation following the end of registration on May 21. Guest registrations are not transferable.

As a reminder, New York State requires that all graduates and guests who plan to attend Marist’s in-person commencement exercises meet one of the following requirements:

• Proof of having completed the COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the date of the event. 
• Proof of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days and full recovery.  
• A negative diagnostic test result for COVID-19 using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or DOH authorized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs) of comparable analytical sensitivity performance that was performed on a specimen (e.g., swab) collected within 72 hours of the event. 

If any attendees do not meet one of the above criteria, New York State guidelines on commencement exercises dictate that they “must be denied entry to the event.” Please note, guests must attest to compliance and have copies of documentation available. Guests do not need to upload documentation prior to the event. 

Marist strongly encourages all commencement participants to become vaccinated as soon as possible. Individuals who have not yet received a vaccine should visit the Dutchess County Vaccine Site to schedule an appointment. Please note, single dose Johnson and Johnson appointments are available on May 11 for individuals who wish to complete the vaccine series prior to commencement. As a reminder, students must upload proof of vaccination or prior illness to marist.medicatconnect.com by May 14 at 5:00 p.m. Instructions for seeking PCR testing will be sent to graduates who have not uploaded proof of immunization by May 14 at 5 p.m.

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates, which are even more notable during this extraordinary time. To learn more about commencement 2021, please visit marist.edu/commencement.

Thank you,

Thomas Wermuth
Vice President for Academic Affairs