Towson University to have week of in-person commencement ceremonies in May

March 15, 2021

Towson University announced Monday a week of in-person Commencement ceremonies for May 17–21, at Johnny Unitas® Stadium. These events will include graduates from the spring 2020, winter 2020 and spring 2021 classes. Graduates and guests will have the option of attending in-person or observing virtually through a live stream. 

The announcement was made by President Kim Schatzel, Provost Melanie Perreault and deans of the university’s colleges.

“We are thrilled to share the plans for TU’s spring Commencement celebration,” the message read. “We’re proud of all our graduates have accomplished, and we’re eager to celebrate these achievements.”

Working in consultation with the TU Commencement committee, COVID-19 Response Leadership Team, TU Medical Advisory Committee and the Baltimore County Department of Health, TU is giving graduates the opportunity to choose an outdoor ceremony. This is also in response to a student survey conducted in fall 2020 that overwhelmingly supported an in-person celebration. 

Additional opportunities for feedback will be available to Commencement candidates through subsequent messages. 

Celebration week guidelines will encourage physical distancing and compliance to gathering restrictions. TU will hold multiple ticketed ceremonies during Commencement week. Graduates attending in-person will receive four tickets for family and friends. Each day’s schedule will be released in the coming weeks. 

This will be just the second time in the 21st century TU will utilize the stadium for a Commencement ceremony. Graduates will be on the field, while families and friends will be seated in the bleachers. The ceremonies will include speakers, while the stage party size will be reduced to help the physical distancing and reduced density of the participants as well. 

Graduates will be emailed information and survey opportunities to help us prepare for celebration are encouraged to check the information page for degree candidates. Plans are being made in accordance with current local and state health guidelines. Should circumstances change, TU will modify plans and communicate to graduates as soon as possible.

The emailed announcement to the community said, "We’re proud of all our graduates have accomplished, and we’re eager to celebrate these achievements. We’ll be sharing additional information regarding accommodations, the specific times for ceremonies and more via the Commencement website as we get closer to the celebrations. We can’t wait to celebrate in person!"