Due to COVID-19 and based on current recommendations from global public health organizations, capacity restrictions and social distancing orders from the state government, and to protect the health of our community, the College had to transition from a traditional (in-person) ceremony to a virtual (online) celebration. Commencement is an important tradition here at MVCC, and while this news may be disappointing for many, we want our graduates and their families to know that we are excited to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. We are proud of all of our graduates, their families, and everyone who has contributed to their success, including our faculty and staff, who have continuously demonstrated a devotion to our vision to transform lives through learning. We are grateful for all they have done to help us move forward.

The virtual celebration link will be published on the College homepage and will also be shared on the College’s social media sites on Friday, May 14, at 4 p.m. With that said, please note that this is not a “live” event, so you and your family and friends will be able to watch and celebrate at your own pace and at the time you so choose.

The celebration will include all Spring 2021 candidates for graduation, who were eligible to graduate as of May 1, 2021. You do not need to RSVP for the virtual celebration, but please follow the steps outlined at www.mvcc.edu/graduate.

The virtual celebration will include formal remarks by President VanWagoner and Board of Trustees Chair Tony Colon, some very special guests, and, most importantly, a presentation honoring each graduate. Each graduate will be receiving a text and an email directly from Alen Smajic, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, and will be able to personalize their virtual celebration slide. The personalization will include the ability to create and upload a message or quote (“I did it!”) and a photo. We expect these photos to be fun and exciting, but be sure to use common sense and dress appropriately, as the College will be monitoring all photos. And since this is not a “live” event, you will be able to scroll through to find your slide or search for fellow classmates. While this will not be the same as our traditional ceremony, we are committed to finding the best way possible to recognize our graduates, and are striving to make it meaningful, memorable, and sharable.

No, there is no need to order graduation regalia. With that said, if you'd like traditional regalia (cap, gown, and tassel), these items, along with a diploma cover, will be available for pick-up at the College Store, on our Utica Campus, beginning Monday, May 3. If you'd like these items mailed to you, please contact College Store Manager, Brooke Kilmer, at bkilmer@mvcc.edu.

Yes, the College recognizes and shares the interest of students who wish to commemorate in a more traditional way and we are committed to providing the opportunity to invite the Class of 2021 to participate in our Fall Graduation ceremony in December 2021, if public health guidelines allow at that time. During the Fall semester, the College will reconnect with the Class of 2021 and will collect RSVPs from those who would like participate.

Diplomas will be mailed within six to eight weeks after the celebration.

The College does its best to ensure that our videos are accessible for all and this is no different. All formal remarks will include captioning.