MSU actively making preparations for outdoor graduation ceremonies

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The campus of Michigan State University/ Photo Credit: MSU University Communications

Nathan Stearns, News Director

EAST LANSING— In a release sent to the MSU community early on Wednesday, Michigan State announced that it is planning for more than 50 limited-attendance outdoor graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021. These ceremonies will not include 2020 graduates.

“Graduation is a time-honored academic transition from learning to the world, and the Office of the Provost looks forward to enabling in-person celebrations to recognize this milestone accomplishment for our spring 2021 graduates,” MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff said. “We have resourced every part of our campus community in support of this effort and are confident in our collective abilities to persevere in commending this group of scholars.” 

Unlike previous years, a university-wide convocation ceremony will not be held, and undergraduate ceremonies are being scheduled by each college based on the last name of the graduates or by student majors.

In order to comply with the most recent health and safety guidelines set forth by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the outdoor ceremonies will take place in large parking lots across campus.  In addition, each graduate will be allowed to bring two guests.

Those graduating with either a master’s or doctoral degree will be honored with a virtual ceremony through the MSU commencement website.