Commencement

2021 Commencement Event Preparation

We’re thrilled to have more than 1,000 graduates eligible to graduate this year, and we are excited to celebrate your accomplishments together! To ensure we provide a first-class experience for everyone attending, we will host three ceremonies throughout the day. This structure allows us to follow public health safety measures, so we can help keep our graduates, guests, faculty and staff as safe as possible.

Which Ceremony Do I Attend?

Register to attend your commencement by March 31 to ensure you receive your regalia in time. After registering yourself, you may register up to (7) guests at any time, until May 5. Each of your guests will need to bring their own ticket to the event.

Let's Celebrate Your Achievement!

Commencement Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 7

Saturday, May 8

Health & Safety Guidelines

As you may know, the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has specific requirements for events and gatherings. We are working with our local health agency, Four Corners Health Department, to ensure our event meets all Directed Health Measures (DHMs).  

There is a possibility the State and/or Four Corners may release new DHMs between now and the event, which will cause us to adjust our protocols, or cancel the event if we cannot make accommodations within the DHMs. Any changes to the plan below will be communicated to registered attendees and published on this page. 

To make this event a success, and to keep you and our attendees as safe as possible, we have implemented the following public health safety protocols before, during and after the event.

Before The Event

• Commencement will be held in Friedrich Arena on campus. Due to capacity requirements, each graduate will be able to bring up to five guests. We realize this may be limiting for larger families. Should capacity guidelines increase between now and May 8, we’ll provide additional details for registering more guests, but at this time, the guest limit is mandated. Live streaming of each ceremony will be available on this page. 
   
• Guests may enter through the north main doors to the Walz Human Performance Complex, where you will check in with your paper ticket.
   
• The campus bookstore will be open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for regalia pick up.
   
• Before you and your guests arrive on campus, you will be required to conduct a self-screen to keep you, your guests and other attendees as safe as possible. During this process, you will be asked questions related any COVID-19 symptoms.
   
• Handicap parking is available in front of Walz. Security will be available to direct you.
   
• Handicap seating is available in the top concourse and in the Athletic Hall of Fame viewing room.

During The Event

• All graduates will meet at Thom Mainstreet at the designated times.
   
• Graduates will be seated on the floor of Friedrich Arena with appropriate physical distancing. Distancing will also be required in the stands between all family units as you're able. 
   
• Face coverings are required inside the complex at all times. All guests and participants must bring their own face coverings. 
   
• We have doubled our janitorial crew for the event, and high-touch traffic areas, as well as restrooms, will receive extra cleaning before and during the event. 
   
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the arena. 
   
• You may bring your own water bottles into the arena. No other outside food or drinks will be allowed.

After The Event

• Graduates will not need to bring the diploma binder back.
   
• Ushers will dismiss guests based on seating location. Please make your way out of the arena in a timely manner, as there will be another ceremony after yours. 
   
• All other campus buildings will be closed, but you are encouraged to take photos with your friends and family around outdoor locations on campus, such as the sign on Columbia Ave., steps of Weller, Founders Hall, or wherever else you’d like.

Lodging Options Available

Room blocks have been reserved under Concordia Commencement at the following: