ATHENS, Ohio — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on Feb. 25, 2021.
Ohio University (OU) on Wednesday announced plans to move forward with both in-person and online commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021, letting graduates decide which method they prefer.
According to an email from OU, administrators came to the decision after a "thorough and significant review" of options ahead of the end of terms, as well as recent changes to Ohio's COVID-19 guidelines.
Just last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that indoor and outdoor events will be able to happen this spring, following COVID-19 protocols and adhering to 30% capacity for outdoor events, and 25% for indoor venues.
OU says it plans to hold multiple commencement events over the course of several days and live-streamed for students and families unable or not wanting to attend in person.
“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate our graduating students’ incredible accomplishments with in-person commencement ceremonies this spring,” President M. Duane Nellis said. “Our team has planned carefully with the advice of public health officials, so that we can host safe, meaningful events for our graduates and their families.”
The events will be held between April 29 and May 3, and at this time, the school plans to allow each graduate to invite two people. Regional campus locations will also be recognized on their home campuses on April 29 and 30th, but are also invited to Athens.
“I am looking forward to joining Bobcats everywhere to celebrate our graduates as they embark upon their next adventure,” President Nellis said.
Additionally, OU says it is working on plans to invite back graduates of the class of 2020 to celebrate since commencement plans were cancelled last year due to the coronavirus.
The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine will hold commencement in-person on Saturday, May 8.
Editor's note: the video in the player below is from a story published on Feb. 25, 2021.