February 4, 2021
Dear Students,
For those of you who are planning to graduate this May, I write to announce our plans to honor the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at the University of Oklahoma. We look forward to hosting several in-person May Graduation Ceremonies for the Norman campus, slated for Friday, May 14, 2021, to Monday, May 17, 2021, in The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Graduation plans for the OU Health Sciences Center and OU-Tulsa will be released soon.
Throughout our planning process, we have strived to balance our commitment to supporting the safety of our graduates and guests while also upholding the tradition of our ceremonies. Safety precautions have been at the forefront of all of our planning, and OU’s Chief COVID Officer, Dr. Dale Bratzler, has guided our decision-making with respect to public health and safety.
Each Norman campus degree-granting college has been assigned to a specific ceremony for space accommodation. Click here for a breakdown of graduation ceremonies. Registration will be required for graduates. Once graduates have registered, we will determine how many guests each graduate may bring. Tickets will be required for graduates and their guests. Additional information about registration and Graduation Gear-Up is forthcoming from University Events.
An outdoor venue is the best option with respect to your safety and that of your guests. In the event of inclement weather, our first attempt will be to delay the ceremony to later the same day. If that is not possible, we will hold a graduate-only ceremony in the Lloyd Noble Center. We will not be able to accommodate guests if we move the ceremony indoors to the Lloyd Noble Center. All ceremonies will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend, or who have health concerns and wish not to attend in person.
To help protect everyone in attendance, we will implement various safety measures, including physical distancing of graduates and guests, and a requirement to wear face masks.
This past year has been unforgettable in nearly every way imaginable. Your resiliency in the face of a global pandemic is nothing short of extraordinary. We look forward to watching each of you cross the stage as we gather in celebration of the OU Classes of 2020 and 2021.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
Important information for students who plan to participate in May 2021 Graduation Ceremonies.
We’re looking forward to celebrating your graduate by providing you information that will allow you to salute their academic accomplishments!
Students can request to remove a directory hold prior to graduation. Students with a directory hold will not be listed in the graduation program.
If you are unable to attend an in-person ceremony, please submit a request for one to be mailed to you.
If you would like a printed version of the December graduation program, submit a request for one to be mailed to you.
As a member, you join the ranks of Sooners who demonstrate their dedication and commitment to the University. Being a member of the OU Alumni Association will identify you as an individual who is dedicated to maintaining Sooner Excellence.
