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The Commencement tent will open at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 3, to accommodate enhanced security screening. |
The UMass Medical School Department of Public Safety, with the help of trained security professionals, will use metal detectors and handheld security wands to establish a secure perimeter around the Commencement tent during the Sunday, June 3, event.
“To be completely clear, there is no known threat,” said John C. Lindstedt, executive vice chancellor, administration & finance. “This decision has been made in an abundance of caution, with the safety of our community and guests in mind, and in accordance with the university system’s desire to follow best practices.”
Students in the Class of 2018, faculty marching and members of the platform party will undergo brief security screenings at their respective robing locations prior to entering the tent. Guests will need to walk through metal detectors at clearly marked entrances before entering the tent. To minimize potential delays, UMMS asks that graduates relay the following key pieces of information to their guests attending the ceremony:
- The Commencement tent will open to all guests at 10:30 a.m.
- Guests are strongly encouraged to make their way through security no later than 11:30 a.m.
- Guests who have not been screened by 11:45 a.m. will be asked to remain in place until after the students, faculty and stage party have entered the tent.
- To facilitate the screening process, guests are urged to refrain from taking bags into the tent.
Please review these Commencement FAQs for further logistical details pertaining to the ceremony.
As a reminder, below is the rehearsal schedule for each of the three schools:
- GSN rehearsal is at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30 (12:30 p.m. for student marshal and class speaker);
- GSBS rehearsal is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 (12:30 p.m. for marshal and class speaker);
- SOM rehearsal is at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1 (SOM students assemble in the student lounge at noon for line of march).
