Commencement Ceremonies
Auburn’s summer commencement ceremonies postponed indefinitely. Graduates and guests are welcome to visit campus and celebrate graduates during Aug. 8 commencement weekend
The planned August commencements to recognize Auburn University spring and summer 2020 graduates have unfortunately been indefinitely postponed due to recent interstate travel restrictions and large in-person event concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the university’s efforts to coordinate ceremonies that promoted numerous safety protocols and aligned with Centers for Disease Control and state guidelines, growing concerns over graduates’ and guests’ ability to travel to and from other states and attend large in-person gatherings led the university to postpone the commencement ceremonies scheduled for Aug. 1 (Harrison School of Pharmacy and College of Veterinary Medicine) and Aug. 8 (all other colleges and schools) indefinitely.
Graduates and families are still welcome to visit campus on Saturday, Aug. 8 and celebrate their graduates though the following opportunities:
Campus buildings will be open and academic deans will be available to greet graduates and families. Colleges and schools will communicate specific times to their graduates.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. graduates and families will have the opportunity to visit Jordan-Hare Stadium. Once inside, graduates can wear their regalia, scan their name card and have their name displayed on the video board where Auburn University Photographic Services will be available to shoot official photos.
Other campus venues, including the Auburn Arena, AU Bookstore, Student Center and Samford Hall, will be open to visitors.
All summer 2020 graduates will receive a commemorative gift box that includes a copy of The Auburn Creed, an alumni pin, copies of the commencement program, a gameday button and an Auburn University print.
Required safety protocols will be enforced throughout the weekend as part of the university’s fall reentry plan, A Healthier U. For questions regarding Auburn’s commencement, email commencement@auburn.edu.
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
