Texas A&M University’s flagship campus will host 15 commencement ceremonies starting Wednesday.
Joseph Pettibon, Vice President for Enrollment and Academic Services, said increasing the number of December ceremonies, which is normally four or five, will allow for better social distancing among graduates and spectators.
“We are also not having the normal procession of the students in and the normal recessional that you would expect at a regular commencement ceremony,” said Pettibon.
Attendance is limited and tickets are required for spectators. Face coverings will also be required at all times inside Reed Arena.
“I think everybody would prefer that we were back to a normal sense of operating, but obviously we are not there. And yet, this is still a remarkable accomplishment in the lives of our students and their families, and it is an opportunity to celebrate,” said Pettibon.
For those unable to attend, a livestream will be provided on KAMU-TV.
Graduates who choose to forego this month’s commencement have the option of participating in a ceremony at Kyle Field this spring.
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Listen to “Texas A&M Graduation Ceremonies Begin Wednesday” on Spreaker.
News release from Texas A&M University:
Texas A&M University is still planning to hold commencement ceremonies beginning this Wednesday, December 9th, in Reed Arena. Attendance is limited and individuals must have a ticket to enter the premises.
Given that COVID-19 cases in the state and across the nation have increased recently, the university has incorporated additional safety measures. Please read carefully and share with any family or other members of your group who are planning to attend.
In anticipation of the nine commencement ceremonies this week and six next week, public health experts and administrative officials at Texas A&M University strongly encourage the following:
- All graduates, friends, and family members who plan to attend are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 test prior to the commencement ceremony.
- Please follow CDC travel guidelines and do not attempt to travel or attend if you are exhibiting symptoms, are known to be currently positive, or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days.
- The university strongly discourages individuals at a higher risk for severe illness for COVID-19 from attending a ceremony. While we are conducting the ceremonies in as safe a manner as possible under the circumstances, there remain potential COVID-19 exposure risks. Travel to the ceremonies also contains risk of COVID-19 exposure.
- We are pleased to provide the ceremonies by livestream for family and friends not able to be in attendance to watch the commencement live.
- Graduates who wish to postpone attending this ceremony and participate instead in a ceremony in either February or March at Kyle Field can email the Office of the Registrar at graduation@tamu.edu.
The university will take the following precautions for the safety of those in attendance:
- The face covering policy will be enforced with no exceptions. All individuals attending must wear a face covering upon entry and throughout the duration of the entire ceremony. Security will escort those not in compliance out of the building.
- Seating areas for attendees will be clearly marked in order to maintain safe physical distancing. Guests may sit together in groups of no more than six. Ushers will be available to assist with seating and appropriate spacing between parties.
- Increased fresh air circulation will provide four air exchanges per hour as well as maintain temperature and humidity at levels known to reduce survivability of the virus.
- After graduates cross the stage, they will be shown where to exit. Family members and friends should exit at that time, as well.
Congratulations on this wonderful milestone! Thank you very much for your attention as we work to provide the best possible in-person experience with enhanced safety measures.
We will continue to monitor infection rates in the area and keep you informed, so please continue to monitor communications and share with your families and friends.
For additional details, please visit graduation.tamu.edu or email graduation@tamu.edu.