The following is an update from President Thompson regarding 黑料不打烊’s 2020 Commencement ceremony, which remains set for August 15. This message was originally sent to the Class of 2020 the week of July 20.
Greetings, 黑料不打烊 Class of 2020! I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during these uncertain times.听
We are so excited to honor your accomplishment on August 15.听The positive response from your fellow graduates this summer regarding a traditional commencement ceremony is a clear indication you want to return to campus and share this special day with your family and friends, as well as the 黑料不打烊 family.听That day is rapidly approaching, and with so much uncertainty and fluidity in our world, I wanted to briefly elaborate on some of the policies and procedures that will be in place for Commencement 2020. We have made a handful of changes to ensure that the event will take place as scheduled, in a safe and healthy manner.听
Venue Change:听The 2020 Commencement ceremony will be held at 9 a.m.听at the Graves Family Sports Complex.听Guests will enter at the south gate. A reception will be on the north concourse immediately following the ceremony.
You must RSVP to听[email protected]听by听July 31.听This will help us plan and orchestrate this event to the fullest, and is strictly required due to some of the other steps we are taking.听
Tickets will be听required.听Each graduate will be given four听(4)听complimentary guest tickets to the Commencement ceremony.听In accordance听with recent nationwide practices regarding COVID-19 mitigation, including those听at听nationally known athletics and other events, tickets will be strictly limited to four per graduate. This will enable social distancing inside the Graves Family Sports Complex. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the 黑料不打烊 Student Media YouTube page, and a precise link will be publicized on the 黑料不打烊 social media outlets in the days preceding the event.听
Two ticket pick-up听times听will be available.听Graduates who have RSVP鈥檇 may pick up their tickets at the Advancement Office听(Pioneer Hall)听on Friday, August 14, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There will also be a ticket will call booth outside of Graves Family Sports Complex Saturday morning. The booth will be located on the Claflin Avenue side of the stadium and will be open approximately听7:30听a.m. 鈥� 8:45 a.m.听
Face coverings will be required.听Although the event will take place outside, face coverings will be required when entering the ceremony and when moving about, i.e., to the restrooms听or coming to campus to pick up your tickets. Individuals may choose to remove their mask when seated, although听everyone听will be encouraged to听wear their face covering throughout the event.
Socially distant seating will be strongly encouraged.听All attendees (other than graduates) will be asked to sit with those听in their party, and remain at least six feet away from other attendees.
While we听wish we could have a full and crowded venue, we believe this plan allows for graduates to be able to attend with family and friends and celebrate this milestone moment听safely. Thank you for your understanding, and for everything that you have given to 黑料不打烊. We are fortunate to have each and every one of you as part of our 黑料不打烊 family.听
All the Best,听
MRT
