After years of hard work, senior college students are always thrilled about their college graduation. But with a global pandemic emerging in the spring of 2020, students all over the world were deprived of this monumental experience. As coronavirus restrictions are reduced, colleges are finding ways to make this year’s graduation safe and ebullient. On April 12, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo created a breakdown for outdoor ceremonies. US News explains the rules and regulations:

Outdoor Ceremonies

• Ceremonies with over 500 people will have 20% attendance of the venue’s capacity. The ceremonies should occur in large spaces like stadiums or outdoor performance venues with a capacity of 2,500 people and up. Proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test or vaccination is necessary. 
• Ceremonies with 201 to 500 people will have 33% attendance of the venue’s capacity. These ceremonies should occur at sites like event venues, catering halls, and football fields. Proof of a recent negative Covid test or vaccine is also needed. 
• For ceremonies with up to 200 people, venues will be limited to 50% of their capacity. Smaller ceremonies can take place at sites like event venues, performance spaces, and catering halls. Proof of a recent negative Covid test or vaccine is optional. 
• Face coverings and social distancing are required for all.

Indoor Ceremonies

• Ceremonies with over 150 people will have 10% attendance of the venue’s capacity and should happen at arenas or performance venues with a capacity of 1,500 people and up. Proof of a negative Covid test or vaccination is required. 
• Ceremonies with 101 to 150 people will have 33% attendance of a venue’s capacity and should take place at catering halls, event venues, or performance spaces. Proof of a recent Covid test or vaccination is necessary.
• Ceremonies with up to 100 people with 50% attendance of a venue’s capacity and can take place in event venues, catering halls, or gyms. The testing and vaccine requirement is optional.
• Face coverings and social distancing are required for all.

citation: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/coronavirus-and-college-graduation-what-to-know