Florida State University invites 2020 graduates back to campus for in-person commencement

Florida State University will hold in-person commencement ceremonies for its 2020 graduates, President John Thrasher announced Wednesday.

“I know it was disappointing that we were not able to hold in-person commencement over the past year, and we have been waiting for the right time to honor you with a proper ceremony,” Thrasher wrote in a letter to 2020 graduates. “I’m thrilled to invite you back to FSU to celebrate this achievement alongside your fellow 2020 graduates, families and friends during an in-person graduation ceremony on the weekend of May 22-23.”

Ceremonies will be held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23. The ceremonies will allow for proper social distancing for our graduates who will be seated on the Civic Center floor, as well as four guests per graduate in the audience.

“We plan to retain many elements of our traditional ceremonies while taking the necessary steps to ensure that we can gather in the safest way possible,” Thrasher said.

Masks will be required for all graduates and guests. A condensed program will feature the reading of graduates’ names while they walk across the stage.

The number of ceremonies will depend upon how many 2020 graduates are interested in participating. Graduates will be informed of the date and time of their ceremony with a forthcoming announcement.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, plans are subject to change. University officials will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of federal, state and local officials.

The spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates were originally recognized in virtual ceremonies due to the pandemic.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. For more information, visit commencement.fsu.edu. Class of 2020 graduates should RSVP by Friday, April 2, 2021, at https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8nVYvGEFurNgP0a.