Updates to spring commencement plans

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Dear Patriots,

We have some wonderful news! This week, the Governor’s Office issued new guidance on how universities could conduct commencement ceremonies this spring based on revised COVID-19 restrictions.

Under the new rules, outdoor commencement events would be limited to 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue’s capacity – whichever is less. Indoor events would be capped at 500 people or 30 percent of the venue’s capacity – whichever is less.

After reviewing this new information, we are pleased to share that we will be able to expand on our plans for a virtual commencement by offering some in-person celebrations for our students and their families. We ask for your patience as we consider our options and expect to have more information for you in the next two weeks.

We know that this has been a challenging time and we look forward to finding appropriate ways to celebrate our graduates who have worked so hard to reach this important milestone.

Thank you.

Gregory Washington

President, George Mason University