Today@Sam Article

Information On In-Person Commencement at NRG Stadium

Dec. 14, 2020
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University will host the Fall 2020 commencement ceremonies in person at NRG Stadium in Houston on Dec. 19. The change in venue will allow graduates to bring guests while adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

Approximately 2,290 students have applied for degrees to be conferred for this semester.

“Commencement is such an important milestone in a student’s academic journey. The decision earlier this year to move our Spring and Summer ceremonies to virtual ceremonies due to COVID-19 was extremely difficult. I am thrilled that we found a way to hold this time-honored tradition in person, for our students who have truly shown resiliency this year,” Interim Provost Christopher Maynard said.

In order to prioritize the safety of graduates and their families, three ceremonies will be held on Dec. 19 at NRG Stadium. A number of precautions will also be taken to meet health and safety standards, including required face coverings, physical distancing, temperature checks and thorough sanitizing between ceremonies.

Because of logistics and limitations on the use of NRG Stadium, capacity for each ceremony will be limited and will require tickets for guests; however, convening in the NRG Stadium allows graduates to invite more guests than would be possible at the Johnson Coliseum, where Commencement is traditionally held.

 “We recently surveyed registered graduates about a potential change in venue, and an overwhelming number of respondents supported this decision if it allowed for an in-person ceremony in which they could bring several guests,” Vice Provost Christopher Maynard said.

Specific information regarding Commencement ceremonies will be forthcoming from the Office of the Registrar. SHSU will also continue to monitor COVID-19 at the local and regional levels in the weeks prior to Commencement. For more information about the ceremonies and continued updates, visit the SHSU Commencement website.

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