UMass Dartmouth Will Hold In-Person Graduation This June

NORTH DARTMOUTH — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will hold in-person, on-campus graduation ceremonies this June.

According to a post on the university’s website, Interim Chancellor Dr. Mark Fuller informed members of the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 that there will be multiple graduation ceremonies the weekend of June 11, 12 and 13.

Commencement ceremonies typically take place in May, but the university opted to hold them in June this year in order for those will be in attendance to have more time to become vaccinated against COVID-19.

Fuller said that the state requires that “the ceremony must be kept as brief as possible.”

Each graduating senior will still have the chance to be recognized as they walk across the stage, he said.

Because of the state’s restrictions on gatherings, each graduating senior will only be allowed to have up to two guests. Masks will be required for all in attendance, with the exception of each graduate while they are crossing the stage.

The ceremonies will be held rain or shine, but “in the unlikely event of truly unsafe, highly inclement weather, the university will assess the circumstances and may postpone the ceremony to a later date,” Fuller said.

Last year, the ceremony was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.