JOHNSON CITY — (Oct. 14, 2020) East Tennessee State University has announced that Commencement exercises for fall 2020 graduates, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, will be held virtually.
This decision was based on guidelines from the CDC, state and local health agencies, as well as recommendations from ETSU’s COVID-19 Medical Response Team. The unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 outbreak has continued to present challenges in the university’s ability to host large-scale events. Holding the celebration virtually will prevent thousands from gathering in the ETSU Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini Dome).
“This has been a very difficult decision for the institution, but we recognize the need to keep the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and campus guests as the highest priority,” Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU president, stated in a memo to campus in which he assured that ETSU will provide an opportunity for spring and fall 2020 graduates to walk across the stage in cap and gown.
“When we announced that our Spring Commencement Exercises would be virtual, I assured the Class of 2020 that they would have the opportunity to participate in a future ceremony at which time they could be part of the beloved ritual of crossing the graduation stage. Initially, we had anticipated that would be an option for our Fall Commencement in December; however, we hope to offer this opportunity to the entire Class of 2020 sometime next spring.”
The ceremony will premier live at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 at etsu.edu/classof2020 and on the main ETSU Facebook account. Recordings of the ceremonies will also be able to be viewed following the live premier of Commencement on this website. More information about the virtual fall 2020 Commencement ceremony will be provided to graduates in the upcoming weeks.