Commencement

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Commencement 2020

We can’t wait to celebrate with our 2020 grads! Commencement ceremonies are currently scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2020 at the Ford Idaho Center. The Graduate and Professional Studies ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm and the Traditional Undergraduate ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm.

Please note that our commencement “plans” are contingent upon large venues being able to accommodate people at that time. Between now and Commencement, the Academic Ceremonies Committee will be working to finalize details for Commencement. As these plans are finalized, we will let you know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many family members can attend Commencement?

Each graduate will be allocated 4 tickets. Tickets will be required for admittance to the general seating area of the FIC. More information about the ticketing process will be sent out during the 1st week of August.  For other friends and family members who want to celebrate with our grads, the ceremony will be live streamed. Details and a link for streaming the ceremony will be provided later.

Why isn’t Commencement being held on campus?

The Ford Idaho Center (FIC) is able to accommodate more people with appropriate physical distancing than we would be able to accommodate on campus. In addition, having the ceremony at the FIC helps us protect the health and safety of our on-campus students by limiting the introduction of outside visitors onto campus.

What safety precautions will be followed?

  • All chairs on the floor of the FIC will be at least 6 feet from all other chairs.
  • There will be no processional or recessional nor any line-up behind the curtain. Graduates and Faculty will move onto the floor as they arrive and choose a seat in the appropriate area. This means there will be no specific row in which the graduates need to sit. The graduates will not be coming forward in alphabetical or departmental order.
  • All participants will be asked to be in their seat at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the respective ceremony.
  • The dismissal of graduates to come across the platform will be done so in a manner that maintains 6 feet between individuals both on the floor and on the stage.
  • Families will be seated together in the stands with appropriate distancing between families.
  • The protocol regarding face coverings will be determined by the Health Department/Idaho State guidelines in place at that time.

Will there be Baccalaureate this year?

At this time, we are still considering whether we will be able to hold Baccalaureate due to a potential booking conflict with the Ford Idaho Center. The decision should be made by August 1 and will be communicated with graduates shortly thereafter. If we are able to have a Baccalaureate Service, it will be held Sunday morning at 9:00 am at the FIC.