Commencement Masking Recommendations

Dear Colleagues, 

Commencement activities are just two weeks away. In the past few weeks, many soon-to-be graduates have expressed their desire for the ceremony to be mask-optional; I know that others, out of concern for themselves and their loved ones, would like us to require masking. The College leadership team and I wanted to wait until closer to the event to review data on community levels and CDC recommendations before changing masking requirements for this large, indoor event. Per the CDC website, the COVID-19 Community Level in Lebanon County and the counties surrounding it are Low. For counties with Low Community Levels, the CDC says, “People may choose to mask at any time.” Since the beginning of the pandemic, LVC has committed to following CDC guidelines. Therefore, we are changing the Commencement masking policy to mask-optional but highly recommended. 

*Attendees can help protect others by masking up. 
*If an at-home COVID-19 test is available to you, take one before Commencement. Anyone who tests positive must not attend the ceremony. 
*If you have any symptoms on the day of Commencement, do not attend. 
*If you are traveling to campus from a county with Medium or High Community Levels, mask up. 
*KN95 or N95 masks are the more effective options for those who choose to wear masks. 

I understand that some attendees will be uncomfortable or unhappy with this change in protocol. There are no easy answers. Frankly, it would be difficult to enforce a masking requirement, especially on such an emotional and meaningful day when students want to be photographed without masks, and when other large venues do not require masking.

I do, however, strongly encourage all attendees to mask up for the good of the whole community. I look forward to celebrating our students’ accomplishments. If you are unable to attend, look for photos and video on social media after the event.   

President MacLaren