Both Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed. Each ceremony will have its own livestream link and the links will be available 30 minutes before each ceremony. Friends and family members can access the links on our homepage and on the campus Facebook page.
Commencement Details
Who should I contact with questions or concerns about Commencement?
Please contact our campus Registrar Jeff Gable at [email protected].
Where will the Commencement ceremonies be held on campus?
Both ceremonies will be held in the gym in the Multipurpose Activities Center.
How will I know which ceremony I am assigned to?
Ceremonies have been structured by academic program, and students will receive an email from Marching Order with their ceremony time and information on what time they should arrive on campus.
Can I change my ceremony time?
No, ceremonies have been structured to ensure that we remain at our COVID-19 room occupancies while allowing for each graduate to invite two guests and graduate with other students in their program. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to accommodate requests to change ceremony times.
Do I need to register to attend Commencement in person?
Yes, all graduates who intend to participate in Commencement in-person must complete the Marching Order form and register their guest or guests in order to receive their tickets. Students and guests will not be permitted to enter the gym without a ticket.
Can I invite more than two guests?
Due to continued capacity limitations on indoor gatherings, each graduate can only invite two guests to the ceremony. We know that there are many people who supported you in getting to this day and that you want to share it with, and to make that possible, we are broadcasting the ceremony via a livestream. The livestream link will be available by 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, and will be accessible via the campus homepage and the campus Facebook page.
An ASL interpreter has been secured for the livestream.
One of my guests needs special accommodations, how do I make those arrangements?
The Marching Order platform will allow students to designate if they or their guest(s) require special accommodations. An ASL interpreter will be present during both ceremonies.
Will we have a student processional as part of the ceremony?
Yes, by offering two ceremonies we will be able to keep some of the traditional components of the Commencement ceremony, including the student processional.
Will I be able to cross the stage to receive my diploma?
Walking across the stage is the moment that our students dream about, and yes, you will be able to take your walk when your name is called. But, as we're sure you were expecting, the walk will look a little different this year. Instead of receiving your degree cover as part of crossing the stage, you will pick up your cover from a table located near to the stage before you cross. Additionally, due to health and safety mitigation efforts, you will not be able to shake hands with members of the stage party.
However, one of your guests may approach the stage to take picture of you enjoying your moment. Of course, your mask will need to remain on.
Will I be able to pictures outside after my ceremony?
Yes, please do. Students and their families are invited to celebrate by grabbing pictures after the ceremony; however, students and their guests must keep their masks on even when outstide. Additionally, individuals from separate households should also practice physical distancing when outdoors.
Will refreshments be served after the ceremonies?
No, for the health and safety of our graduates, their guests, and our campus community, we will not be providing refreshments after this year's ceremony; however, graduates and guests will be able to take a pre-packaged slice of cake.
What if I am unable to attend the in-person campus ceremony?
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
What COVID-19 safety measures are in place for Commencement?
For the safety of our graduates and their guests, our faculty and staff, and our community, all attendees will be required to wear masks at all times and observing physical distancing guidelines.
If I or one of my guests has been fully vaccinated, are masks still required?
Yes, individuals who have been vaccinated must remain masked while on campus.
Can I be tested for COVID-19 before Commencement?
Will my guests be able to sit together during the ceremony?
All guests will be seated six feet apart in the gym during the ceremony in observance of University and CDC guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19.