Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

coronavirus:

UNLV to host in-person graduation at Sam Boyd Stadium

UNLV Winter Commencement Ceremony 2019

Christopher DeVargas

UNLV celebrates the class of 2019 during the winter Commencement Ceremony at the Thomas & Mack Center, Tues. Dec. 17, 2019.

In an about-face, UNLV will host in-person commencement ceremonies in May at Sam Boyd Stadium for 2020 and 2021 graduates.

A virtual ceremony originally planned for May 15 because of the pandemic has been scratched, the university announced today.

In a letter to the university community, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said, “I am confident an in-person commencement can be done in a responsible way, giving students the commencement experience they cherish and the university an opportunity to better highlight their amazing achievements.”

Whitfield said the decision to move forward with the live ceremony was made after reviewing the latest coronavirus data and public health guidelines. Last year's ceremony was canceled because of the pandemic.

“This decision may surprise some, but I have given it much thought, and I absolutely believe we can offer a traditional commencement while adhering to public health guidelines,” Whitfield said.

Ceremonies are scheduled for 8 a.m. May 14 and May 15 for the class of 2021. The class of 2020 ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on May 14.

“Graduation is the culmination of a student’s educational journey and is a significant milestone in their UNLV career,” Whitfield said. “We need to make every effort to provide an experience our graduates so richly deserve.”

The ceremonies will also be streamed at UNLV.edu for those who elect not to participate in person. The Registrar’s Office will contact 2020 graduates with the invitation to return, Whitfield said.