FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama has updated its commencement plans for July 31 and August 1, adding ceremonies in order to accommodate graduates as well as guests to the event which will be live-streamed on UNA’s Official YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/UNAroarlions. The updated commencement schedule is as follows:
- Friday, July 31:
- 5 p.m.: Undergraduate students from the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
- 7:30 p.m.: Graduate students from the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
- Saturday, Aug. 1:
- 9 a.m.: Undergraduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences.
- 11:30 a.m.: Undergraduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences. (Undergraduate COAS students will be notified via email of which ceremony to attend.)
- 2 p.m.: Undergraduate students from the College of Business. o 4:30 p.m.: Graduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.
All ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Norton Auditorium.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded the University remain flexible with all its plans, including commencement,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I am pleased that the University can implement a commencement strategy that safeguards the health of all participants; allows for family and friends to attend; and, most importantly, celebrates our fine graduates from spring and summer.”
In keeping the health and safety of the campus community and its guests in mind, the University has implemented these steps:
All graduates, guests, and staff are required to wear masks. Masks will be provided to graduates and staff only. Guests must provide their own masks.
Graduates are allowed a maximum of four guests. The graduate and their guests must check in together as a party. A health screening questionnaire will be assessed, and temperatures will be checked for all members of the graduate’s party. If any member of the graduate’s party answers “yes” to a health screening question or has a temperature of 100.4 or above, no one in the graduate’s party will be permitted into the ceremony, including the graduate.
The guests of the graduate’s party will be given wristbands and escorted to their seats as a group.
Spring/Summer 2020 graduates will receive an attendance request to their UNA email account. An RSVP is mandatory and must be received by Wednesday, July 22.
All graduates will receive confirmation of their ceremony attendance and times by Tuesday, July 28.
“The University actively considered and thoroughly vetted all campus and community venues for commencement. The six-ceremony plan using Norton Auditorium is clearly the best option,” said Dr. Alexander. “This commencement plan conforms to ADPH and CDC protocols and recommendations and has been endorsed by the University’s COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.”
All commencement activities are subject to change depending on health orders issued by the Gov. Kay Ivey.
Media Release/Ms. Michelle Eubanks
Director, Communications and Marketing
University Communications and Marketing
UNA
