Editor’s note: The 2021 Curbside Commencement ceremony will take place as planned. 

American River College will host a drive-thru curbside commencement ceremony for 2020 and 2021 graduates on May 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

According to information posted on ARC’s website, all students who are graduating will need to RSVP and register by May 5 in order to participate in the event, to ensure the safety of all students and staff members who will be at the ceremony cheering students on.

This drive-through ceremony has allocated time slots on May 19, starting at 1:30 p.m. through 6 p.m.  The ARC administration posted on its curbside commencement page that all students will arrive at the ceremony according to the time slot they have selected on their RSVP.

Graduates are required to attend the event from inside of a vehicle and are expected to wear a face-covering when engaging with ARC staff members. ARC’s administration posted on its website that motorcycles and bicycles will not be allowed as an acceptable form of transportation to attend the ceremony. 

“No one will be allowed to leave their vehicles for safety reasons. I believe there will be arrangements for students who don’t have vehicles,” Brett Sawyer, ARC’s student life supervisor, said in an email to the Current. 

All students must remain inside their vehicle at all times and those who do not have adequate transportation can indicate so on the RSVP form. This will let an ARC staff member know to connect with the student and create further arrangements.

If a student requires specific accommodations for a disability they can indicate so on the RSVP form and an ARC staff member will reach out to them according to ARC’s campus reopening webpage.  

The rules posted on ARC’s campus reopening pages states that graduates are allowed to bring others inside the vehicle with them as they will be abiding by all California laws. No one is allowed to leave the vehicle unless instructed to do so by an ARC staff member. 

The decoration of vehicles is encouraged, but not necessary. When decorating the vehicle keep in mind the student code of conduct and remember to abide by all California laws regarding the decorations allowed on moving vehicles in a public setting. 

Students may wear their caps and gowns to the event, but it is not a requirement to do so. 

Students can find more information as it gets updated on ARC’s website on the curbside commencement page.