Adelphi Announces Online Commencement, In-Person 'Grad Walks'

GARDEN CITY, NY — Adelphi University announced today that it will be holding in-person graduation walks this year, for both the classes of 2021 and 2020, which had its graduation ceremony drastically changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. It will also hold a virtual commencement ceremony this year as well.

The school said it put careful consideration into its plan for a hybrid graduation. The graduation walk will take place before the college's official graduation ceremony, and won't be an "official" ceremony.

"Adelphi University's Commencement Committee and Executive Leadership are looking forward to providing our 2020 and 2021 graduates a special experience to commemorate their milestone achievement in such a unique year,” said Kaitlyn Woods, senior associate director of special events and engagement at Adelphi.

The "Grad Walk" will give students a chance to have a time to walk across the school's stage. Students will be able to invite up to two guests to attend, who will be able to take pictures and cheer them on.

Grad Walks will be made by appointment, and will take place between April 26 and 29 during the school's Senior Week, and after finals, from May 21 onward. They will be held in the Ruth S. Harley University Center’s Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom.

All health and safety protocols will be observed during the Grad Walk, including health screenings, social distancing and mandatory masks. Graduates on stage will not have to wear masks, though.

“With our Grad Walk, our graduates can safely enjoy and capture the moment with loved ones present,” Woods said. “Combined with our virtual Commencement ceremonies, school and program-specific celebrations and unique opportunities to make memories, we feel confident that we have responded to the most important aspects of this monumental moment in their lives and in our community's proud traditions. Additionally, Adelphi remains committed to welcoming our 2020 and 2021 graduates back to Adelphi to participate in a future in-person ceremony."

In addition to the in-person Grad Walks, Adelphi will also be holding official commencement ceremonies virtually for the class of 2021 on May 24, and for the class of 2020 on May 25. Recordings of the ceremonies will be posted online for families to watch.

The school is still making plans for in-person Doctoral Hooding ceremonies, which will also allow two guests.