Rogers State University will host two limited in-person ceremonies for its 109th commencement. The ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, and will take place outdoors on Soldier Field at the Claremore campus.
“Throughout the commencement planning process, we have worked to balance our commitment to the safety of our graduates and guests while honoring the tradition of our ceremonies,” President Dr. Larry Rice said. “We look forward to celebrating our esteemed graduates in person this year.”
Commencement will be the first large-scale event hosted by RSU since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the past year the university has adhered to CDC guidelines on each of its campuses in Claremore, Bartlesville and Pryor. Last month the university announced its intent to restore the college experience at each of its campuses first through two outdoor in-person commencement ceremonies in May followed by a return to full capacity in-person instruction for the fall 2021 semester.
“This is possible because of the ongoing diligence of each member of our RSU community and the availability of multiple vaccines leading to widespread inoculation against the COVID-19 virus,” Rice said.
Both ceremonies will be streamed live online through RSUTV. Graduates from the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes will be honored. Guest seating will be limited, and social distancing measures will be in place. A mask will be required for all participants.
More information will be released in the coming weeks. For ongoing updates, visit www.rsu.edu/commencement.