Commencement Ceremonies
August 8, 2020
- Wear your regalia
- Face coverings are required
- Practice physical distancing
College and School Activities
9 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Open Buildings: Comer Hall
9 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Open Buildings: Dudley Hall, Gorrie Hall, Wallace Hall
There will be at least one CADC administrative leader in each of the schools and Dean Nathan will move about amongst the three buildings.
9 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Open Buildings: Horton-Hardgrave Hall
Pictures are encouraged on the Terrace and the Creed steps in the courtyard. Hand sanitizer, fans, and masks will be available on the Grand Floor. Joe Hanna will be in the building to meet with graduates and guests.
10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Haley Center
Interim Dean Theresa McCormick will welcome any visitors in her office in Haley 3084.
9 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: All engineering departmental facilities
Celebration area will be set up in Brown-Kopel Center to welcome graduates and their families. Dean Roberts will be on hand to meet with graduates and guests. Photographers will be available to take photos at the Gavin Garden Cupola and at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering sign near the Tiger Transit stop on Magnolia Ave.
9 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building and Jeff Butler Patio
Self-guided tours, photo opportunities, and refreshments. Dean Alavalapati and Associate Deans of Academic Affairs, Drs. Scott Enebak and Graeme Lockaby, as well as some faculty, will be on hand to greet visitors.
8 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Cater Hall front porch
Stop by anytime for a socially distant way to honor you, our spring and summer graduates. We will have music to entertain, opportunities for you and your family to have photos taken at Cater Hall, and of course have an easy and safe way to pick-up your Honors medal and regalia.
10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Spidle Hall
Individually wrapped snacks and bottled drinks will be available. Graduates and guests will be greeted by Dean Hubbard and other college leaders. Photo ops and tours of the building are encouraged.
9 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Open Buildings: None. Tent set up outside Tichenor Hall
Will be handing out water, snacks, and swag.
9 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Nursing Building
Nursing students are invited to drive through the Nursing Building parking lot to pick up their nursing pins. They may bring their families in the building for a tour. Some faculty will be in the building.
9 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Open Buildings: Sciences Center Auditorium
Will offer professional photographs with the Dean that will be sent to the students electronically. Will have a Congratulations Graduates tablecloth for the photos. The students will be given gift bags with a COSAM notebook and little mortarboards that are actually stress balls. A slideshow is planned with photos of students. Lastly, they will have a “tree” poster for students to sign and keep the pen. This way they can sign their name on a post that we will add to our history project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the August commencement ceremonies being postponed?
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic April, the university decided to postpone May commencement and combine them with the summer ceremonies. We hoped that the campus could safely celebrate the accomplishments of our spring and summer graduates in August. However, recent restrictions on interstate travel and concerns over attending large in-person events led the university to postpone the ceremonies indefinitely.
When will the August ceremonies be rescheduled?
At this time, the university has not identified when the ceremonies may be rescheduled. Any decisions will be determined with input from health and safety experts at the state, local and university levels.
I already have plans to come to Auburn for the weekend of August 8th. Can I still come?
Yes, while the university is not hosting formal commencement ceremonies, the campus will still be open to celebrate graduates and guests. In addition to open buildings on Saturday, the following opportunities will be open to celebrate spring and summer graduates:
Throughout the day on Saturday, Aug. 8, campus buildings will be open and academic deans will be available to greet graduates and families. Colleges and schools will post specific times.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., all graduates will have a photo opportunity inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Graduates can wear their regalia, scan their name card and have their name displayed on the video board inside the stadium. AU Photographic Services will be available to take students’ official photos.
Campus venues, including the Auburn Arena, AU Bookstore, Student Center, and Samford Hall, will be open to visitors.
Graduates and guests will be able to take pictures on Samford lawn.
How do I get my name card?
All spring and summer graduates can pick up their name card at the Harbert Family Recruiting Center on Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The name card will be used to display your name on the video board if you visit Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Can I return my regalia for a refund?
In spring 2020, Auburn University transitioned from rental regalia to keepsake regalia. All regalia and honor cords for spring and summer graduates have been shipped. Regalia is non-refundable, unless it involves a late order that has not been picked up (rush orders were available for pickup on Aug. 8). For questions about regalia, students should contact Resa Halsey in the AU Bookstore at halsere@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1355.
Can I participate in a future graduation ceremony?
Spring and summer 2020 graduates will likely have the opportunity to participate in a future ceremony. Details will be forthcoming (a process will be established for them to register to attend).
Will the university host December commencement?
A decision on December commencement ceremonies will be made pending health and safety guidelines and announced by mid-fall.
Will summer graduates receive a gift box like spring graduates?
Yes, all summer graduates will receive a commemorative gift box that includes two copies of the summer program, alumni pin, gameday button, copy of The Auburn Creed, and other items.
When will summer graduates receive their diplomas?
Diplomas for summer graduates will be shipped in the weeks following August graduation.
What safety precautions are in place for campus?
Required safety protocols will be enforced throughout the weekend as part of the university’s fall reentry plan, A Healthier U. In addition to required face coverings and appropriate physical distancing for all graduates and guests, A Healthier U outlines the university’s goals of safely facilitating academic, student, and institutional operations.
Safety Measures
