Around 2,000 fall 2020 graduates are set to be recognized in Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a number of safety measures, Auburn University announced Monday evening. This weekend's ceremonies will be the first held since December 2019.
The University had planned a combined commencement of spring and summer 2020 graduates for Aug. 8, but it ultimately postponed the ceremonies after evaluating safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, as many as 200 spring and summer graduates who choose to participate will take part in Saturday's events, according to the University.
"In lieu of larger ceremonies featuring multiple colleges and students, individual colleges and schools will recognize graduates at set ceremony times, beginning with doctoral students at 8 a.m.," the University said.
Deans will make remarks during their college's ceremony to attending families and guests as graduates walk across a stage to receive a copy of the Auburn Creed and have a photo opportunity with their name displayed on the stadium's videoboard.
The University noted it will make use of contingency plans should COVID-19 restrictions change or if inclement weather is forecasted for the weekend.
"In the case of light rain, ceremonies will continue in the stadium, with guests permitted to bring umbrellas," the University said. "Should the day bring intermittent rain that impacts individual ceremonies, the University will maintain the scheduled times and reschedule any school or college affected to the end of the day."
If continuous rain is predicted, commencement will be hosted in Auburn Arena, and ceremonies will be livestreamed without families and guests. The University said contingency announcements will be made on the commencement website and its Auburn Graduation social media pages no later than Thursday, Dec. 10.
"Times for each college and school are available on the commencement website, and graduates must arrive no later than 20 minutes before their scheduled time," the University said. "Each ceremony will include a 10-minute break between each college and school."
For those who have health conditions or cannot attend fall commencement, livestreams will also be available online for the Jordan-Hare ceremonies, according to the University.
Graduates who ordered keepsake regalia after Oct. 23 may pick up orders at the AU Bookstore this week, the University said, and students are required to wear regalia to take part in their ceremony.
Those with questions are asked to email aucommencement@auburn.edu for more information.
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Tim Nail, junior in journalism, is the campus editor for The Auburn Plainsman.
