The University of Scranton announced plans for its return to fully in-person classes for fall, as well as in-person Commencement ceremonies in May 2021.
Graduate and undergraduate Commencement will be held May 22-23, one week earlier than originally scheduled. Additionally, the University will now hold separate ceremonies for each of its undergraduate colleges and for graduate students at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Following Pennsylvania’s current indoor capacity guidelines, a maximum of 2,500 people would be able to attend each ceremony at the arena.
In addition to fully in-person classes this fall, the University will begin to open the campus to in-person camps and conferences beginning this summer. The University will adhere to capacity limits established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will continue to follow other health and safety requirements, which include social distancing and mask wearing.
The campus will remain closed to the general public through the summer.
“Since the pandemic began, the University planned and adapted based on state and federal guidance and directives, the best available scientific advice, and circumstances within our campus and surrounding community,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, noting the University’s planning placed “the health and safety of our community at the center of our decisions.”
“We have succeeded thus far in responding to the pandemic because our care and concern for each other has inspired personal responsibility and sacrifice,” said Dr. Gingerich in an announcement sent to the University community announcing plans for the fall and summer. “I am confident that our love for each other and for the University will continue to inspire the best in us as we strive to remain Royals Safe Together.”
Get the news about Commencement in Royal News, here, and the fall reopening, here.
The Royals Safe Together Plan can be found here.