Fall commencement experience set for Dec. 5-6

Nearly 800 University of North Georgia (UNG) students are scheduled to participate in the university's revamped and socially distanced fall 2020 commencement experience, which will mirror the September event held for spring and summer graduates.

UNG implemented this new experience to follow social distancing guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advantage is graduates are accompanied by four guests throughout the whole process.

"This is different from the average commencement ceremony. Guests are allowed on the event floor with their graduates," said Anna Brown, executive director of University Events. "It is the most unique and intimate opportunity you will ever take part in for any kind of graduation. It is what our graduates deserve in this special time."

Before students arrive for the ceremonies on Dec. 5-6, they must complete a couple of steps.

Soon-to-be graduates are required to register for a 15-minute time slot to walk across the stage inside the Convocation Center on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. To participate in the event, graduating students must log into UNG Connect before Nov. 17 and select a time. Only those who already have signed up to participate in graduation before the Sept. 18 deadline will be able to sign up for a slot.

Available times are staggered and based on UNG's academic units.

Saturday, Dec. 5

• 9-9:45 a.m.: College of Education
• 10-11:45 a.m.: College of Health Sciences & Professions
• 1:30-4:15 p.m.: Mike Cottrell College of Business
• 6-7 p.m.: Mike Cottrell College of Business
• 7:15-8:30 p.m.: College of Science & Mathematics and Institute of Environmental and Spatial Analysis

Sunday, Dec. 6

• 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.: College of Arts & Letters
• 3:30-5:30 p.m.: College of Arts & Letters
• 5:45-6:15 p.m.: University College

Each graduate is allowed up to four guests. Those who cannot attend the event in person can view the live stream online via the commencement website or on UNG's official Facebook page.

Graduates and guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the selected check-in time. There, graduates will receive a reader card to announce their name as they walk across the stage. It must be completed and kept throughout the ceremony.

During the event, graduates and guests must adhere to the health and safety guidelines. As masks are required in all buildings, UNG will provide a face covering for everyone. Each graduate will be required to wear the mask when crossing the stage.

Participants are also encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and leave personal items in a locked vehicle.

"This is a mobile experience with participants walking and standing for 45 minutes. And there are limited opportunities to sit down," Brown said. "People with accessibility issues will have their needs met."

Graduates and guests should park in the Convocation Center Lot (L52). Commencement staff will assist visitors to the correct place.

For more information, visit UNG's 2020 Fall Commencement Experience website.

Graduates and their family and friends, whether watching in person or via live streaming, are encouraged to celebrate their achievement by sharing photos and messages of support on social media using #UNG20grad.