To the Agnes Scott community, families and friends:

Commencement is an exciting time on our campus. It acknowledges our students' academic achievements and reaffirms our mission to educate students to "think deeply, live honorably, and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times."

The granting of the Agnes Scott degree is celebrated through longstanding traditions, and the ceremony is a time of celebration and reflection.

As we prepare to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our graduating class, we wanted to share with you the precautionary steps we have taken to address public health concerns in the wake of the H1N1 flu virus.

• Hand-sanitizer gel stations will be available at all major venues-at the entrance to Evans Dining Hall, each food station, and at the information desk in Presser Hall lobby for the Baccalaureate ceremony. Sanitizer will also be placed in information tents, on guest seating tables on Woodruff Quadrangle and at food stations for Commencement. You may also bring your own bottle for personal use. Emergency medical services personnel will be stationed in Presser Hall parking lot should any emergencies arise.
• If you feel ill with flu-like symptoms-fever and cough or sore throat-it would be a good idea to stay home. The Commencement ceremony will be recorded and available via DVD if you are unable to attend. While we would love for you to join us in the festivities, you will do yourself and others a favor by taking care of yourself.
• Commencement officials continue to monitor the dynamic H1N1 situation and are in close communication with the Health Department and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For guidelines and tips from the CDC, visit their website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Travel recommendations are also provided by the CDC at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx.

For the latest updates about Commencement, please see our Commencement Web page: http://www.agnesscott.edu/admission/undergraduate/parents/commencement.

We look forward to this special occasion to honor and celebrate the Class of 2009, and wish them much joy and success in their chosen paths!