University of Virginia President Jim Ryan says newly relaxed COVID-19 state restrictions are allowing the University greater flexibility as it plans Final Exercises for the Class of 2021.

On Wednesday afternoon, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam released preliminary guidance for how colleges, universities and K-12 schools can safely hold in-person graduation and commencement events this spring. 

“Graduation events held outdoors will be capped at 5,000 people or 30% of the venue capacity, whichever is less,” Northam’s press release said. “Graduation events held indoors may have up to 500 people, or 30% of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.”

In social media posts later Wednesday, Ryan said he was “delighted to report that, earlier today, Governor Northam announced that COVID-19 restrictions related to graduation ceremonies have been substantially – indeed, dramatically – revised.”

He wrote that when UVA first announced plans for the Class or 2021 in early March, such ceremonies were classified as “gatherings and subject to 25-person gathering rules, and we did not expect that restriction to change.”

“The changes announced will allow UVA far more flexibility in planning a ceremony for the Class of 2021. I’m grateful to the Governor for enabling us to envision a safe and meaningful graduation,” Ryan said.

“We will work hard over the coming weeks to craft a plan for how we can celebrate our graduating students, consistent with the new guidance. We will let everyone know of our plans no later than April 2. Thank you for your patience and flexibility, which have become necessary virtues, for all of us, in this pandemic.”