Fall 2020 commencement ceremonies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will be in-person and outdoors—not virtual, as announced in September.
Since the earlier announcement, UTC leadership has investigated the possibility of an in-person format that could comply with COVID-19 safety protocols while also serving as a memorable, fitting tribute for graduates. Plans developed for in-person ceremonies in November should accomplish both, officials say.
A series of ceremonies, each capped at 200 participating graduates, will be staged on Chamberlain Field.
The ceremonies will be scheduled during the week that begins on Nov. 16, with final dates to be announced soon. Guests will not be permitted to attend, but all ceremonies will be streamed live online.
“We know how hard our students work to earn their degrees and we want to recognize and celebrate this important milestone in their lives. COVID-19 has required rethinking how we can honor our graduates while ensuring everyone’s health and safety, and we believe this approach will bring both of those elements—a meaningful occasion and the priority on participant safety,” said UTC Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Yancy Freeman. "An abundance of patience and flexibility has been required of the class of 2020 everywhere, and we really appreciate the degree to which our graduates and their families have been understanding about the challenges posed by COVID-19 to so many of our beloved traditions, with commencement the most significant of all.”
In addition to approval from the UTC Campus COVID-19 Support Team, the University has secured required approval for the plans from the Hamilton County Health Department.
During ceremonies, each graduate’s name will be called aloud, the graduate will walk to a stage area on Chamberlain Pavilion and his or her photo will be made to record the moment. Graduating students must RSVP to participate, and the number who RSVP will determine the final number of ceremonies to be scheduled.
In addition to live streaming the ceremony online, the webcast will be recorded for download and future viewing. Seating for graduates will follow social distancing guidelines, and face masks will be required throughout each ceremony.
In the event of inclement weather, ceremonies will take place inside McKenzie Arena.