USD shares in-person graduation plans for the class of 2021
A commencement ceremony for the class of 2021 is confirmed for Sunday, May 23
Karisa Kampbell / Asst. News Editor / The USD Vista
As May quickly approaches and the Spring semester begins to draw to an end, many seniors look for answers about whether in-person commencement ceremonies will be a possibility for the class of 2021 and, if so, how it will look different than in years past. San Diego County’s transition to the Orange Tier sends hope to seniors that an in-person graduation ceremony will be possible and that their loved ones will be able to watch them walk across the stage to receive their diploma.
In an email sent out to the graduating class by President James T. Harris III, D.Ed. on March 25, a date for graduation ceremonies was announced.
“I am happy to share with you today our plan to host in person commencement ceremonies, rain or shine, on the field at Torero Stadium for our Class of 2021 on Sunday, May 23,” Harris wrote. “Today we remain flexible, yet optimistic — and we ask you to do the same.”
Additionally, details regarding the number of guests each graduate is expected to be allowed was also released in the email.
“Due to space restrictions and health and safety guidelines, we are planning to extend two invitations per graduate,” Harris wrote. “While this is our working plan, we need to recognize that San Diego County health and safety requirements could further restrict us, depending on the impact of the pandemic at the time of the commencement ceremonies.”
According to the commencement page on the USD website, a graduation for the class of 2020 will also be held in person on Sunday, May 16. Commencements for the various graduate programs offered at USD will also be held in person Saturday, May 15 and Saturday, May 22.
For many seniors, the announcement on plans for an in-person graduation is promising, yet some still hold concerns. Senior Taylor Provenzano shared her cautious enthusiasm regarding the graduation update.
“I think every senior is really excited to have a graduation in person, my only concern comes from how they decide if we get to have it or not,” Provenzano said. “If there is a spike on campus that comes from the freshmen, but it affects commencement plans for seniors, that would be really unfortunate.”
Although commencement ceremonies may still not look the way they have in years past, the plans offered by the university to help guarantee a celebration of the Class of 2021’s accomplishments is a promising sign of a return to normalcy.