In-person spring commencement set for May 13 at Lady A Pavilion

Spring commencement ceremonies for Augusta University are planned for Thursday, May 13, at Lady A Pavilion, 7016 Evans Town Center Park. There will be a morning and an afternoon ceremony to accommodate participants and guests, while also following appropriate COVID-19 precautions.

“After what has been a truly unprecedented year, your class has overcome countless changes and challenges with compassion, integrity, and leadership — values that make you true Augusta University Jaguars,” Chief Auxiliary Officer Dale Hartenburg told students in a spring 2021 commencement email this week. Hartenburg also provided information to help ensure a successful event.

Commencement sessions

Each college will be assigned to either the morning or the early afternoon session. The number of participants who register from each college will help determine session placement. These arrangements will be finalized and shared after the student RSVP deadline when the numbers are tallied. Please note: All 2020 Augusta University graduates are invited to participate at commencement alongside their Spring 2021 peers.

Guest tickets

Each graduate may have up to four guests attend the ceremony. To expedite the seating process and support safety guidelines, these guests must arrive together, be seated at the same time and comply with posted COVID-19 precautions. You will receive email instructions after spring break on obtaining guest tickets.

Processional plan

Students will be checked in and immediately directed to their seats, which will be spaced six feet apart. Students will have their names called out as they cross the platform. Students will pick up a diploma tube at the stage and pause for a (socially distanced) photo with President Keel.

Honors and other events

University leaders are still finalizing plans for honors, hooding and pinning events. Specific information for these events will be emailed to students at a later date.

Graduation candidates are asked to please complete these three steps to RSVP for the commencement ceremony and to purchase regalia:

• Please indicate your attendance by Friday, April 2 using this RSVP.  A response is required in order to participate.
• Students participating in any spring event should order regalia on the Jostens website. The deadline to order regalia is Monday, March 15, 2021. Doctoral candidates will need to pick up their regalia on campus beginning April 19. All other regalia will be shipped to your address.
• Continue to check your email from graduation@augusta.edu for further updates.

Augusta University university leaders have been working closely with local leaders to ensure a safe, socially distanced ceremony. However, plans are subject to modification or cancellation as a result of changes by local, state or University System of Georgia officials regarding COVID-19 safeguards for large public gatherings. In the event of a change of plans, the university will communicate via email from graduation@augusta.edu. 

Keep up to date with the latest information on our Spring 2021 Commencement web page.

“We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and understanding as we work to provide the graduation experience our graduates deserve, in the safest way we can,” Hartenburg added.

Please submit any questions to graduation@augusta.edu.