22 May 2021

Dear President Kathleen McCartney and Dean Baishakhi Taylor:

We, the Class of 2021, would like to thank the College for allowing each senior 2 guests for the outdoor, post-Commencement luncheon. However, we are still asking the College to consider the decision to allow 2 guests to participate in our graduation ceremony.

We understand the level of planning the college has undertaken. But, if the college can accommodate 2 additional guests per student for the luncheon, we believe the college CAN and should accommodate 2 guests for the Commencement ceremony. Whether this means setting up more chairs in the quadrangle or the King-Scales green area, the college needs to find a way to allow students’ families and loved ones the opportunity to attend the ceremony.  Further, the expense of renting more chairs is definitely less than increasing food quantity and serving supplies. Lastly, the same guest registration form and guidelines used for the luncheon can be used for the graduation ceremony.

Families will be taking the time and money to join seniors at the luncheon, and likewise should be welcomed to join the graduation ceremony earlier in the day. Nearby universities, such as Amherst College and UMass Amherst, and high schools have held in-person graduation ceremonies with guests. Smith really needs to make an effort to make this possible. If other universities can hold an in-person graduation ceremony with two guests, Smith can too; we know this is a reality that Smith can make happen. 

Thank you,

The Class of 2021, and their families and loved ones