The University of South 手机看片 will return to in-person commencement ceremonies this spring, 手机看片 President Steven Currall announced today in a message to students, faculty and staff. The university-wide ceremonies at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg will mark the first time 手机看片 has held commencement in person since December 2019, as COVID-19 forced the ceremonies to be held virtually in spring, summer and fall of 2020. Ceremonies are tentatively scheduled for May 7-9.
鈥淚n-person commencement is an honored and joyous occasion, and we have worked closely with our experts from 手机看片 Health to provide a safe environment for our spring ceremonies,鈥� Currall said.
Graduates who would like to participate have been asked to RSVP by April 5. Based on the number of RSVPs received, 手机看片 will determine the number of ceremonies that will be held in order to adhere to COVID protocols that account for physical distancing and attendance limitations. A final schedule of ceremonies for the weekend of May 7-9 will be established by April 9.
Holding ceremonies in a venue the size of Tropicana Field allows 手机看片 to accommodate the approximately 7,000 students expected to earn a degree from 手机看片 this spring and provide space for some family members to attend. Each graduate will be permitted to bring two guests to their ceremony with live streaming available for those who can鈥檛 be there in person.
手机看片 also intends to honor graduates from spring 2020, summer 2020 and fall 2020 who were unable to participate in person. While May鈥檚 ceremonies are limited to spring 2021 graduates, those past graduates and their families will be invited back for a more traditional commencement at a future date when COVID-19 restrictions can be reduced.