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USF returns to traditional ceremonies for Summer 2021 Commencement

Dear USF community,

As the university continues to prepare for a return to pre-COVID-19 classroom capacity, face-to-face course instruction and on-campus operations, I am pleased to announce plans for in-person Summer 2021 Commencement. Ceremonies will be held at the Yuengling Center on Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug 22. The university’s 124th commencement will honor summer 2021 graduates as well as our graduates from spring, summer and fall 2020 and spring 2021 whose ceremonies were virtual or modified.

Thanks to the availability of vaccinations and the university’s successful navigation of the pandemic—guided by USF’s medical and public health experts—we are excited to bring back one of USF’s most beloved traditions.

All graduates who attend will have their names read as they cross the stage. Formal graduation portraits will be taken. Tickets will not be required for guests and there are no limits on how many guests each student may bring.

Two ceremonies will be held on Aug. 21 for summer 2021 graduates:

9 a.m. - All graduates from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Muma College of Business, Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, Taneja College of Pharmacy and College of Public Health

1:30 p.m. - All graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, Patel College of Global Sustainability, College of Graduate Studies, College of Marine Science, College of The Arts and the Office of Undergraduate Studies

When USF determined, based on health and safety protocols, that we would hold virtual commencements in 2020, USF leadership made a commitment to invite graduates back to an in-person ceremony when public health conditions allowed us to do so. We are excited to welcome back our previous graduates and to honor them and their achievements. Tentatively, we plan to hold ceremonies for previous graduates at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, and 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22. The exact schedule for ceremonies on Aug. 21-22 for 2020 and spring 2021 graduates will be announced once we determine demand.

Advance registration is required for students to attend. Please register through the commencement website. Registration for faculty and staff who wish to participate in the ceremonies will be available at a later date.

The health and safety of our community remains our top priority. All events are subject to change to reflect any new guidance from the CDC, public health experts or university officials.

We look forward to celebrating together in August.

President Currall

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