Due to COVID-19, graduation ceremonies at JMU will be different from ceremonies held pre-pandemic. JMU has decided to hold the graduation ceremony in person, but each graduate will only be allowed zero, two or four guests due to COVID-19 restrictions according to an email sent to graduating students March 17.Â
Mary-Hope Vass, JMU spokesperson and director of communications, said the decision regarding the zero, two or four policy was made by following guidelines given by the Governorâs office for large gatherings.Â
Gov. Ralph Northamâs (D) March 17 announcement addressed how schools can guarantee safe outdoor ceremonies. This announcement states that graduation ceremonies âwill be capped at 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less.â The announcement also states that âattendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.â