Dear 2020 Graduates,
We’ve all faced extraordinary challenges over the past year because of the pandemic, and I’m so proud of you for persevering through these difficult times and earning your Florida State University degrees.
I know it was disappointing that we were not able to hold in-person commencement over the past year, and we have been waiting for the right time to honor you with a proper ceremony. I’m thrilled to invite you back to FSU to celebrate this achievement alongside your fellow 2020 graduates, families and friends during an in-person graduation ceremony on the weekend of May 22-23.
Ceremonies will be held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23. We plan to retain many elements of our traditional ceremonies while taking the necessary steps to ensure that we can gather in the safest way possible.
The ceremonies will allow for proper social distancing for our graduates who will be seated on the Civic Center floor, as well as four guests per graduate in the audience. Masks will be required for all graduates and guests. A condensed program will feature the reading of graduates’ names while you walk across the stage. All graduates will be required to wear a cap and gown. Professional photographers will be on hand to capture your proud moment.
The number of ceremonies we hold will depend upon how many 2020 graduates are interested in participating. If you would like to participate, it is important to RSVP by Friday, April 2, 2021. Once we determine the number of graduates interested, we will inform you of the date and time of your ceremony. Be sure to revisit commencement.fsu.edu in coming weeks to learn about other events being planned by Student Affairs and the Alumni Association to celebrate our Class of 2020.
Thank you for your patience as we further develop these plans with the safety of you and your loved ones in mind. As we all know, the pandemic has been unpredictable, and our plans are subject to change. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of federal, state and local officials.
I look forward to welcoming you back to campus and officially congratulating you on earning your degree.
Sincerely,
John Thrasher
President