UW plans virtual graduation ceremony in May

Posted 4/7/20

The University of Wyoming will not hold its traditional spring commencement ceremonies in May, due to concerns about large gatherings related COVID-19.

Instead, the university is making plans …

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UW plans virtual graduation ceremony in May

Posted

The University of Wyoming will not hold its traditional spring commencement ceremonies in May, due to concerns about large gatherings related COVID-19.

Instead, the university is making plans for a virtual ceremony to be broadcast live on Saturday, May 16.

Acting President Neil Theobald called it a challenging decision, saying commencement is “something we all look forward to every year.”

“However, under the circumstances, we really have no choice but to look for alternatives to the public gatherings on campus — just as other universities across the country are doing,” he said in a statement Friday. “Our primary focus is on the health of our graduates, their family and friends, and the hosting community in Laramie.”

While details of the virtual ceremony are in planning, there are several options for members of the May 2020 graduating class.

First, they have the ability to return for a future spring or winter commencement ceremony. This is a practice that has been in place for many years at UW.

“UW allows graduates who are not able to participate in their own commencement ceremony — due to a variety of circumstances, such as internships, study-abroad opportunities and illness — to participate in a later ceremony that is convenient for them,” said Acting Vice President for Student Affairs Kim Chestnut.

Additionally, UW is repurposing its spring 2020 commencement budget to purchase and deliver keepsakes for graduates, their families and friends. These commencement packages will include a mortar board, tassel and stole so that graduates can have a “tassel-turning” moment during the virtual ceremony and take photographs.

“Nothing is the same as walking across the stage in front of your family and friends, but we hope these options will allow our graduates to still create and preserve memories marking their hard work and achievements,” Chestnut said.

Students graduating with honors can receive appropriate cords, and graduate students can receive hoods and tams. UW will not provide graduation robes, but they can be purchased if students want them.

Students will receive more information about how to opt in to a commencement package via their UW email accounts this week. Students who already have ordered regalia will be contacted directly.

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