Please Review Closely: Important Planning Information for Commencement 2021

Dear Graduates and Families:

In just a few short weeks, we will honor our graduates and celebrate their academic achievements at a Commencement ceremony like no other. We know that many of you will be traveling for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. That’s why we are keeping you informed about what to expect, how to ensure compliance with all requirements and how best to plan for this milestone event. Today, we will provide updates on:

• Entry Requirements for Commencement Ceremonies
• Pre-Screening Compliance Station
• Pre-Event Testing Available
• Parking and Transportation
• Ticketing

Entry Requirements

As communicated in our most recent message, New York State has mandated very specific guidelines related to stadium entry and participation in Commencement activities. The state requires that anyone (students, faculty, staff and guests) accessing the stadium for Commencement must comply with one of the following options:

• Proof of completed vaccination; specifically, on the day of the event the individual must provide documentation indicating that at least 14 days have passed since the individual received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days have passed since the individual received a single dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. We strongly encourage guests to seek out vaccination as it is the most reliable pathway for entry into the stadium.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR-type test, administered within 72 hours of the event start time.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen-type test, administered within six hours of the event start time.

Despite news stories about relaxed capacity restrictions in athletic and entertainment venues in New York State, please know we have consulted the state and can confirm these changes do not apply to graduation activities. Further, New York State guidelines still require 6 feet between all guests or family pods in the stadium. Accordingly, the seating capacity has not changed, and each graduate may invite up to two guests.

Pre-Screening Compliance Station

To make the entry experience into the stadium as seamless as possible, we will have pre-event compliance stations that will open on campus beginning at noon ET on Thursday, May 20. At these stations, students, faculty, staff and guests can have their COVID-compliance documents verified in advance of the weekend’s Commencement activities. Once verified, individuals will receive a unique pass that will significantly expedite and ease entry into the stadium on Commencement day. To obtain your unique pass, please visit the pre-event compliance station at the following times:

• Students, Faculty and Staff (no guests permitted): Daily walk-up sessions at the Schine Student Center (No appointments necessary, just show up at your convenience)
  • Thursday, May 20: noon-5 p.m.
  • Friday, May 21, and Saturday, May 22: noon-3 p.m.
• Guests, Students, Faculty and Staff: Daily drive-through/walk-up sessions in Manley North parking lot (No appointments necessary, just show up at your convenience)
  • Thursday, May 20; Friday, May 21, and Saturday, May 22: 4-7 p.m.

We strongly encourage you to participate in pre-verification to avoid a long wait. All individuals who are not pre-verified will be required to have their vaccine or testing documentation reviewed and approved on-site at the stadium the day of Commencement.

Pre-Event Testing Available

We recognize that for many guests traveling from outside of New York accessing COVID-19 testing may still be a challenge. We are pleased to share that Onondaga County has graciously offered to provide antigen testing to individuals needing tests to attend Commencement activities. Testing will take place at the Oncenter, a convention facility located less than 2 miles west of campus at 800 South State St., Syracuse. Testing times are as follows:

• For individuals participating in the Saturday, May 22, ceremony, Onondaga County will offer testing 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oncenter.
  • Appointments are required. Please schedule an appointment by visiting the county’s scheduling website.
  • There is no out-of-pocket expense.
  • Please park at the Oncenter open parking lot, across the street from the Oncenter, free of charge.

• For individuals participating in one of the two ceremonies on Sunday, May 23, Onondaga County will offer testing from 7 a.m. to noon at the Oncenter.
  • Appointments are required. Please schedule an appointment by visiting the county’s scheduling website.
  • There is no out-of-pocket expense.
  • Please park at the Oncenter open parking lot, across the street from the OnCenter, free of charge.

If you participate in the county testing, you will receive a wristband designating a negative test result. People who are tested at the county’s vaccination clinic will also receive an email confirming test results later in the day.

Parking and Transportation

There will be plenty of free parking during Commencement weekend, as well as shuttles to transport students, faculty, staff and guests around campus. This includes:

• Free parking for students and guests will be available on Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23, at all West lots (Henry, Raynor and Standart), Irving Garage, University Avenue garage and University Avenue lot.
• Accessible shuttles will run to and from all garages and lots, dropping off at Gate A at the stadium.
• View parking on the Campus Maps site.

Ticketing

Detailed ticketing information will be disseminated to our graduates today. Tickets will become available on Thursday, May 6.

Please continue to visit Commencement.syr.edu for the most up-to-date information. We are also updating our frequently asked questions regularly to help our students, faculty, staff and guests prepare for Commencement 2021.

Sincerely,

Office of Special Events