University to host spring commencement online with December option available
Spring commencement is moving online this year for Mississippi State students because of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Mark E. Keenum will confer degrees and address the new graduates during the online ceremony. Graduates will also be able to participate in the traditional 2020 December graduation ceremonies with their regalia if they wish.
Spring commencement is moving online this year for Mississippi State students, a decision made Thursday [April 9] by the university so that graduates can get recognition for their hard work.
“Many of our graduating students have expressed that some type of recognition is important. As we have all experienced over the past couple of months, engagement through technology gives us a chance to come together and give these graduates kudos for not only their accomplishments, but their adaptation and perseverance,” said David Shaw, MSU provost and executive vice president.
The online ceremonies will be broadcast Friday [May 1] at 2 p.m. CDT, and MSU President Mark E. Keenum will confer degrees and address the new graduates.
Shaw said he feels that holding the ceremonies online “can continue in the same sense of spirit and drive that everyone has had throughout the transition to online learning.”
Baccalaureate and master’s degree candidates may purchase regalia at a special rate that is commensurate with the usual rental rates. Regalia will be mailed to those who decide to purchase it, and graduates can bring their regalia to campus in the fall to have their pictures taken with Keenum at a time and place still to be determined. Students planning to order regalia are urged to do so as quickly as possible.
Also, graduates can participate in the traditional 2020 December graduation ceremonies with their regalia if they wish.
For more updates on MSU’s spring commencement ceremonies, visit www.registrar.msstate.edu/students/graduation.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Harriet Laird | Public Affairs
