President Hargis Announces Commencement Changes
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Cowboy Family,
Celebrating the important milestone of graduation is a long-standing tradition and commitment at Oklahoma State University. This fall that celebration – like many other live events now – will look different. After much discussion and our continuing concern for the safety of our campus community, we have made the difficult decision to hold virtual commencement ceremonies in December.
We know this is a disappointment for our graduates and their families. However, attempting to hold an in-person ceremony with social distancing and other safety protocols is not feasible considering our commencements draw large crowds inside Gallagher-Iba Arena and to move outside that time of year is not practical.
We are planning creative and meaningful commencement ceremonies with a personal touch to be held on December 11 and 12 when we honor spring and summer graduates in addition to fall 2020 degree candidates. More detailed information will be provided in the near future.
OSU is proud of the way students, faculty and staff have responded to the upheaval caused by COVID-19. To hold in-person classes and continue our academic mission has been challenging, but we have persevered thanks to everyone’s hard work and cooperation.
I appreciate your understanding as we once again must alter our commencement approach. Despite the challenges and health risks COVID-19 creates, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our graduates.