Princeton Uni. Plans In-Person, Outdoor Commencement In May

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University plans to host an in-person, outdoor commencement ceremony for the class of 2021, the university announced Thursday.

The university said it plans to host the ceremony on May 16 at the Princeton Stadium, with social distancing and public safety rules in place.

“Based on current guidelines, the University believes it can host a meaningful Commencement experience for its graduating students,” the announcementsaid.

“We will continue to monitor the public health situation and state guidelines in the weeks ahead — should circumstances change significantly, we may need to pivot to a virtual Commencement ceremony.”

Undergraduates living on campus or in the Mercer County/Plainsboro area, who have been part of the University’s asymptomatic testing protocol, will be invited to the ceremony.

Similarly, graduate students will receive a Ph.D. or final master’s degree during the 2020-21 academic year can attend.

Students “who have not had housing or access to campus revoked because of a Social Contract violation” will not be invited to the commencement.

The university isn't sure about inviting guests yet, but said they are “exploring” the possibility, in accordance with state guidelines.

“Families are encouraged not to make non-refundable travel arrangements,” the announcement said.

Additional details on Commencement will be announced in April, the university said.

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