MEDIA ADVISORY
Worcester, MA—May 14, 2021—In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to this year’s commencement ceremonies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has worked to create a meaningful experience for the Class of ‘21 and their families, while still holding the community’s health and safety as top priority. Working within the state’s social distancing and capacity guidelines—and with the advice of WPI’s Coronavirus Emergency Response Team—the university will host Commencement Week 2021, May 19-22. Consisting of seven smaller, more personal events (six in-person and one virtual) assembled by degree programs, departments, and schools, this approach allows each student at the in-person ceremonies to have two guests. The virtual ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, May 22, will accommodate students who cannot graduate in person. All events will be live-streamed.
Note:
- All in-person ceremonies will take place on the WPI Quadrangle, 100 Institute Road.
- WPI will implement physical distancing, mask-wearing, and heightened cleaning protocols.
- All guests must have tickets in hand, and must have completed a health attestation form prior to entering the campus.
- Due to capacity limitations, members of the media will not be allowed to attend the ceremonies in person. However, if you would like to cover the events virtually you can access the live-streaming video links here.
- High-resolution photos and broadcast quality video of each event will be available for use. To request these materials, contact Colleen Wamback at cbwamback@wpi.edu.
Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, May 19
10:00 am
School of Arts and Sciences and Foisie Business School
PhD and Master’s Degrees
3:00 pm
School of Engineering
PhD and Master’s Degrees
Thursday, May 20
10:00 am
School of Arts and Sciences and Foisie Business School
Bachelor’s Degrees
3:00 pm
School of Engineering: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer
Bachelor’s Degrees
Friday, May 21
10:00 am
School of Engineering: Aerospace, Mechanical, Robotics
Bachelor’s Degrees
3:00 pm
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Saturday, May 22
10:00 am
Virtual Commencement Ceremony
