GRADUATION CONSIDERATIONS
When the COVID-19 outbreak caused Governor Jim Justice to close school buildings and move the state
to a remote learning model, the education community was required to immediately adjust to a new
way of teaching and engaging students and families.
Principals, teachers and school service personnel made immediate adjustments to meet the
academic, social-emotional and nutritional needs of children. While they continued to work, educators
missed their children. They missed teaching them, taking care of them in person and the daily
interactions with students and their families.
Graduations have been among the casualties of the outbreak. Counties and schools have made
difficult decisions in postponing, re-thinking and canceling these milestone celebrations. It was very
difficult in early May to forecast absolute plans for graduation ceremonies later in the summer or
timelines that could be considered.
Now that various services, businesses, youth camps and larger scale activities are resuming operations
in the state, it is possible for counties/schools to host in-person high school graduations. Given that
at this time there is no way to mitigate all the risks involved in attending public events, people must
make their own decisions on whether or not to attend open capacity activities given their own or their
family’s health vulnerabilities.
Should counties choose to host in-person graduation ceremonies with larger crowd capacities, the
information contained in this document will assist them to incorporate protocols endorsed by the
state’s leading public health officials. To the extent possible, counties should make efforts to establish
alternative ways to view and celebrate graduations for those unable to attend in person.
The following aligns with Governor Jim Justice’s guidance to reopen the state as outlined in his plan
West Virginia Strong – The Comeback.

In-person graduation ceremonies for West Virginia schools are permitted
starting June 22, 2020, in outdoor venues only.

OUTDOOR GRADUATIONS
»  Outdoor events must be structured to allow for appropriate social distancing and
other safety measures to be in place.
»  Six feet of social distancing is required (see above).

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»  Face masks or coverings are strongly encouraged.

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 Safety Precautions
»  Communicate expectations and guidelines to the community in advance to ensure understanding
and compliance.
»  Members of the same household may sit close to one another; however, household groups must
maintain six-feet of social distancing from one another.
»  Seating should be limited or adjusted to ensure appropriate spacing between rows or seats.
»  Six feet of social distance must be designated between graduates.
»  Handshaking and hugging are not permitted.
»  Directional signage must be prominently posted to guide families to seating.
»  A system should be established to maintain separation of families wanting to take pictures of
graduates.
»  Avoid crowding in common spaces by designating specific entry and exit points to assist with
crowd control. As needed, enlist assistance from local public health officials to create crowd-flow
plans and local law enforcement to direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
»  Hand sanitizer stations should be provided throughout the area.
»  Markings must be placed on the ground for six feet of social distance between graduates in line to
receive diplomas/certificates.
»  Live stream events online or on television to offer alternatives for those who wish to view the
ceremonies without traveling to the venue or for those that are particularly vulnerable such as
elderly family members.
»  Smaller outdoor events are still preferable to reduce the spread of the virus.
»  Consider issuing tickets to better control crowd size.
»  Incorporate fun and creative ways to celebrate and support safety such as encouraging graduates
to design or decorate their masks without restricting airflow.
»  A system for distributing diplomas, certificates or other materials must include best practices of six
feet of social distancing, proper hand washing/sanitizing hygiene protocols and best practices to
preserve public health.

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»  Anyone feeling ill must stay home and schools will provide remote learning support until their
return.

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