St. Thomas is optimistic it will be able to hold in-person outdoor commencements this May and has updated its COVID-19 policy after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz eased restrictions last week, according to a university statement Wednesday.

The commencement ceremonies will be separated into three different days, with the School of Law ceremony on May 16, the Baccalaureate Commencement on May 22 and the Dougherty Family College Commencement on May 23.

“The University of St. Thomas is very optimistic that the university will be able to hold in-person, outside commencement ceremonies with minimal risk to graduating students and their families,” the university released on the commencement page after sending an announcement via email.

The university will now allow indoor gatherings of up to 25 people from any number of households, and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people. Social distancing and mask-wearing are still required. This applies for on- and off-campus activities.

Off-campus visitors are still not allowed inside on-campus residence halls, but students living on-campus can still visit other on-campus residents. Students can have all roommates plus two others in their dorm at the same time.

Capacity at McCarthy Gym and the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex is up to 50%, but social distancing policies remain in effect. On April 5, club and intramural sports will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Basketball gyms will now be permitted to have six people per hoop.

More details will be available as the university solidifies commencement plans on the commencement page.

Elijah Todd-Walden can be reached at todd5861@stthomas.edu.