Grambling State University is set to hold six separate commencement ceremonies to accommodate spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates and their families.
“Due to COVID, Grambling State University was unable to hold a commencement at the end of the Spring 2020 semester,” Dr. Connie Walton, GSU Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, said. “This was disappointing to our students and to us.”
Walton said the administration responded to community members who felt having a commencement ceremony was important, especially for those who are first-generation college students.
“A student who was enrolled in a class I taught during the spring semester indicated that she wanted the opportunity to walk across the stage in commemoration of her mother who died a year earlier,” Walton said. “We have always understood the importance of commencement, sharing with freshman students the need to remain focused on graduating from the university.”
Each graduate will be allowed a six-guest minimum at the ceremony that will be held at Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Due to the pandemic, guests are required to practice social distancing. Masks will be required.
“COVID-19 and the resulting disruptions to life have enhanced my understanding of the importance of graduates being able to participate in a commencement and being able to share this celebration with their families,” Walton said. “To support the ability for each graduate to have guests in attendance, it was necessary for the university to have multiple graduation ceremonies.”
Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows:
• Nov. 12, 9 a.m.: 2020 Spring Commencement, School of Graduate Studies – degrees at the master’s, post-master’s and doctorate levels, College of Professional Studies
• Nov. 13, 9 a.m.: 2020 Spring Commencement, College of Business, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences
• Nov. 18, 9 a.m.: 2020 Fall Commencement, School of Graduate Studies – degrees at the master’s and doctorate levels
• Nov. 18, 2 p.m.: 2020 Fall Commencement, College of Business, College of Education
• Nov. 19, 9 a.m.: 2020 Fall Commencement, College of Professional Studies
• Nov. 20, 9 a.m.: 2020 Fall Commencement, College of Arts and Sciences
