Wright State will hold in-person commencement ceremonies this spring

Wright State University will once again hold in-person commencement ceremonies for the spring class of 2021, President Sue Edwards announced in an email to the campus community.

To accommodate safety guidelines, the Dayton Campus plans to hold multiple ceremonies for the spring class in the Wright State University Nutter Center on April 30 and May 1.

The Lake Campus will also host multiple in-person ceremonies for its summer 2020, fall 2020, and spring 2021 graduates, with dates and times to be announced as soon as a venue is finalized.

University health and safety protocols, including the campus mask requirements and social distancing, will be observed at all ceremonies.

“Commencement is a special day for graduates and their families,” Edwards said. “I cherish watching our graduates beam with pride as they receive their diplomas in front of their families and friends.”

“As a graduating senior this is something I have advocated for heavily this entire year and was one of my main campaign promises I tried to deliver on,” said Adrian Williams, president of the Student Government Association and a neuroscience major. “I am beyond thankful to the administration for listening to students and ensuring that we are given the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments in as normal a way as possible.”

Because state COVID restrictions require Wright State to limit participation in each ceremony, each graduate will receive up to four free tickets for family members and guests. Ticket information will be shared soon with graduating students. The university will also livestream each ceremony.

“The Commencement Implementation Committee is working diligently to make this a great day for our graduates and their families and friends,” Edwards said.

More details on the ceremonies will be shared on Wright State’s commencement website and university social media accounts and the Lake Campus commencement website and its social media accounts.

Edwards said that Wright State will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio and will adjust plans for commencement if necessary.

“While it is our absolute intention to hold all commencement ceremonies s in-person we must remain open to last-minute alterations to our planning given the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 situation,” she said.

Because of the pandemic, Wright State held virtual commencement ceremonies for its spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates.

“After a long and challenging year, I am looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating students together with many of you,” Edwards told the campus community in her email.