University of Nevada, Reno
Monday, March 29, 2021
The University of Nevada, Reno will hold in-person commencement in May for the classes of 2020 and 2021, President Brian Sandoval announced Monday.
Graduates will be allowed up to four guests to attend the ceremony. All ceremonies will be live-streamed. Information regarding ticketing procedures will be available later.
In the campus-wide announcement, Sandoval said the plan contains a number of health and safety precautions based on the latest guidelines from the county and state.
“This plan will require cooperation, patience and understanding,” Sandoval said in the announcement. “It will be a different kind of ceremony, more socially distanced and more controlled. But it gives us the one thing we have needed for a long time: An opportunity to gather safely to celebrate our newest graduates.
“In this time of pandemic uncertainty and the many sacrifices you’ve made, I hope that this welcome news provides you with the chance to smile, to anticipate the excitement of commencement, and to feel optimistic about the possibilities of our future. After a year unlike any other, we are thrilled that our graduates in both our 2020 and 2021 classes will now have an opportunity to experience an in-person commencement.”
Ceremonies for 2021 graduates will be held Thursday, May 13, Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. Ceremony times will be 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Specific college times will be announced later.
Commencement for 2020 graduates will be held at Mackay Stadium on Wednesday, May 12. Ceremony times will be 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Specific college times will be announced later.
The 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will still be available on Friday, May 14. This will serve as the inclement weather alternative. If ceremonies must be canceled due to extreme weather or emergency conditions, they will not be rescheduled.
The only approved option for a large gathering as a result of current COVID-19 public health guidelines is Mackay Stadium. The ceremonies will be held as scheduled even in challenging weather such as rain or snow.
The university will communicate additional details as soon as they are confirmed via its commencement web page.
“Please know that we are doing everything possible to produce an experience that balances both the challenges brought on by the pandemic, as well as the achievements of our incredible graduates, which deserve to be celebrated to the fullest extent possible,” Sandoval said.
“We know the past year has presented incredible challenges for all of you. You’ve persevered, shown resiliency and succeeded against great odds. Soon it will be time to celebrate. I wish you all continued success as we move through the remainder of the spring semester and we arrive together at an in-person commencement in May.”
