Update on Commencement and COVID-19 protocols (faculty, staff)

Dear faculty and staff,

We received yesterday’s updated guidance from the CDC with great excitement. The effectiveness of the vaccines is going to make it possible for individuals to return to normal behavior sooner than we dared to hope. This afternoon, Governor Cooper announced changes to the Executive Order for North Carolina that will go into effect immediately, including eliminating restrictions on gathering sizes and requirements for social distancing and eliminating the requirement for masks in some settings.

Based on guidance from public health experts specific to our situation, Wake Forest will not make immediate changes to campus protocols. However, masks will be encouraged but optional at the outdoor undergraduate commencement celebration at Truist Field on Sunday night.

As the semester is almost at an end, all current public health requirements will remain in effect. In the coming days, after we have finished our Commencement celebrations, the University will investigate how the new guidance will impact Summer Session, and ultimately the fall semester. Thank you for your patience as the University works with public health and infectious disease consultants to make those plans.

We are excited to end the semester on a high note and look forward to celebrating the considerable accomplishments of the Class of 2021 this weekend.

— Communications and External Relations