Dear 2020 and 2021 graduates and guests, 

This morning, the senior leadership team and the Commencement Planning Team met to make a final determination about the location of the 2020 and 2021 Commencement ceremonies with the weather forecast in mind. As you know, we have been working diligently to plan outdoor ceremonies at Kenneth R. Gill Stadium with the goal of a large, safe event but weather has the potential to disrupt our plans.

In order to make our decision, we worked in consultation with Justin Berk, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) who is experienced in providing decision support for colleges and universities.  

Following our consultation with Mr. Berk, we are pleased to announce that both the 2020 and 2021 Commencement ceremonies will be held outdoors at Kenneth R. Gill Stadium.  

As you plan for the ceremony, please keep in mind:  

• The weather will be hot, with temperatures that could be as high as 88-90 degrees. Students should dress accordingly and take into account increased temperatures due to regalia and on the turf field. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are also recommended for guests. 
• Because it would infringe on people’s ability to see the ceremony, umbrellas will not be permitted. 
• Masks will not be required when you are seated. 

 Additionally, we are prepared for the warm weather and will be providing free of charge bottles of water for all graduates and guests. 

It’s important to remind you that lightning still presents a significant safety risk and there is the potential for storms in the late afternoon on Saturday. While there is reason to believe that these storms will not materialize until after our events end, we will continue to work with Mr. Berk from now through Saturday as forecasts become more accurate. Weather will also be monitored during both ceremonies and in the event of severe weather, instructions would be communicated via public address announcements and video screen messages, as well as posted on the McDaniel College Facebook and Twitter accounts.   

Please know that we realize the unpredictability of weather adds some uncertainty to your celebration on Saturday, but the decision to keep the ceremonies outdoors was done with the goal of allowing the most guests possible to attend. We do not anticipate any weather-related changes to Friday evening’s Class of 2021 candle walk and bell ringing.  

We look forward to celebrating both our Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 in person on Saturday! 

 -McDaniel Commencement Committee