New commencement plan announced for SUNY Oswego

OSWEGO, N.Y. —This week students at SUNY Oswego received another update on the graduation plan for this upcoming May. 

SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley reached out to students this week via email to announce that the college’s plan for commencement is happening, a total of seven times. In order to follow New York’s 150 person indoor capacity limit a total of seven different commencements will be held between Friday, May 14 and Sunday, May 16. SUNY Oswego senior Neil Boedicker understands the changes. 

“So, it’s good not to risk an outbreak, even though everyone will be vaccinated but you never know with COVID”, Boedicker said.

A virtual stream will be offered to allow parents and friends to watch seniors graduate due to the policy that there will be no guests allowed in the Convocation Hall at Marano Campus Center. Boedicker wishes that more could attend but realizes the current situation with COVID-19

“I was still kinda sad parents won’t be able to attend, so parents won’t be able to see it live”, Boedicker said.

In order to make the event safer, SUNY Oswego is mandating all seniors attending must have the COVID-19 vaccine or show documentation of a negative test within 72 hours of their commencement. Ben Grieco finds this smart but redundant.  

“I don’t think it is as crucial as if your parents are showing up or faculty showing up that might not have the vaccine or be tested weekly”, Grieco said. 

The campus will be decked out in green and gold for the month of May to honor the class of 2021, the only thing missing will be the handshake. 

“I mean it is just a handshake. As long as I get my diploma it’s all good. I got a handshake when I graduated high school”, Boedicker said.