Dear graduate,
I am pleased to announce that Missouri State University-West Plains will have two physically distant, masked and limited-capacity commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Two ceremonies will allow us to practice social distancing and allow graduates from this year and last year to walk at commencement.
The two ceremonies are divided based on the degree being awarded. Please note below which ceremony that you should attend based on the degree you will be receiving. If you are receiving an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree and another degree that is listed in the noon ceremony, you can select which ceremony to attend. Both degrees will be read when you walk across the stage. If you have any questions, you can call 417-255-7272 or email wpacademicaffairs@missouristate.edu.
9 a.m. ceremony:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies, Teaching, and Health Professions
12 p.m. (Noon) ceremony:
- Associate of Arts in Criminology and Child and Family Development
- Associate of Science in Agriculture, Business, Nursing, Pre-Engineering and Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture, Business, Child and Family Development, Computer Graphics and Programming, Enology, Health Information Technology, Law Enforcement and Viticulture
- Missouri State University-Springfield Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Graduates can invite up to 10 guests. If you have guests attending, please let them know that they will be required to wear a mask at all times. If they do not have one, a mask will be provided for them at the entrance to the arena. Ceremonies will not be ticketed, nor will guests be required to RSVP.
You should plan to arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before each ceremony. Please arrive masked and with your cap and gown already on. You should enter the building on the northwest entrance, which will be marked by signs. Upon arrival, check in at the registration table to pick up your name card. At the registration table, you will be given a #GrizzGrad mask to wear during the ceremony. This mask should be worn at all times. The only exception is when you walk across the stage to receive your diploma.
When your row is asked to come forward:
- Walk toward the marshal on the right side.
- When you reach the marshal, hand your name card to the card reader and remove your mask.
- As you walk across the stage, pick up your diploma cover from a table in front of the podium and continue walking toward the marshal on the far side who will direct you back to your seat.
- When you reach the marshal, put your mask back on and return to your seat by walking down the outside aisle to your row.
- There will not be an official photographer at the event, so you will not need to stop as you walk across the stage for a photo. There will be an MSU photographer taking miscellaneous photos throughout the ceremony to be use for marketing purposes.
When the ceremony is over, you will exit the arena by following the marshals toward the exhibit hall. Once you reach the exhibit hall, please exit immediately. We will dismiss your friends and family and ask them to exit the building as well.
We know the last year has not been an easy one, but your perseverance and hard work have enabled you to succeed. We look forward to honoring and recognizing your achievements at commencement.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Dr. Michael Orf
Dean of Academic Affairs
Missouri State University-West Plains