TO: All Employees
FR: Mario A. Perez, Ed.D., Vice President for University Advancement, Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee
Caroline Neyman, Operations Director, Green Music Center, Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee
Last week, separate communications went out to the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 with an update regarding our hybrid drive-thru and virtual commencement celebrations.
All graduating seniors from the Class of 2020 are invited to attend our hybrid drive-thru and virtual commencement celebrations on Saturday, May 15, 2021. All graduating seniors from the Class of 2021 are invited to attend our hybrid drive-thru and virtual commencement celebrations the weekend of May 22–23, 2021.
Timing of 2020 Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 15, 2021
8:00 am School of Arts and Humanities
10:00 am School of Business and Economics
12:00 pm School of Science and Technology
2:00 pm School of Education
4:00 pm School of Social Sciences
Timing of 2021 Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 22, 2021
9:00 am School of Arts and Humanities
12:00 pm School of Business and Economics
3:00 pm School of Science and Technology
Sunday, May 23, 2021
9:00 am School of Education
11:30 am School of Social Science
Overview of the Drive-thru Ceremony
Graduates participating in the drive-thru commencement ceremonies will enter campus through the main entrance on East Cotati Avenue and drive into Parking Lot F, where campus personnel will check students. Commencement programs will be handed out to students during this time. Once checked in, vehicles will be queued to drive towards the Green Music Center. The graduate will exit their car and walk across the outdoor stage to receive their diploma cover while maintaining a safe distance per the current county regulations. The stage will be viewable to those remaining in the vehicle. Graduates will then return to their vehicle and exit campus via Rohnert Park Expressway.
MarchingOrder
We are using a company called MarchingOrder to assist with both the drive-thru and virtual celebrations. Graduates will soon receive an email from commencement@sonoma.edu via marchingorder.com. The email will provide graduates with information on how to register for the drive-thru ceremony and create a personalized graduation slide. This slide will be shown online during Commencement and will be available to be shared with loved ones and via social media.
Regalia Rental Info
Graduates can order SSU graduation products, including caps and gowns, through the Herff Jones website. The deadline to order regalia for the Class of 2020 is April 16 at 9:00 p.m. The deadline to order regalia for the Class of 2021 is April 23 at 9:00 p.m.
Drive-thru ceremony vehicle requirements:
For the drive-thru ceremony, each graduate will be limited to one vehicle. Vehicles must be completely enclosed to comply with health department guidelines. The following are prohibited:
- Convertibles with their top open
- Vehicles without doors (like off-road utility vehicles)
- Golf Carts
- Limos
- Party buses
In vehicles with windows rolled down, occupants must have face coverings for the entire duration the window is down. Passengers are limited to the number of legal seats in the vehicle. Per public health guidelines, all vehicle occupants must be from the same household.
Vehicle decorating is highly encouraged. Commencement represents a significant milestone, and we want to see our students celebrate it! Students are encouraged to display their excitement by decorating their vehicles as they would their cap.
Travel Advisory
Students and their families are advised to review the state travel advisory and consider whether it will impact their travel. Non-essential travel to any part of California more than 120 miles from one's residence is discouraged, and quarantine following travel is recommended.
Cultural and Affinity Celebrations
In addition to the University’s Commencement ceremony, various cultural and affinity graduation celebrations are planned. Graduates who identify as part of these cultural and affinity groups are invited to participate in the additional virtual celebrations as well.