Dear Langston Community,

I am pleased to announce that Langston University will host an in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 10:00 a. m. at W. E. Anderson Stadium in Langston, Oklahoma. This decision was made in consultation with the senior class officers, the senior administration, the Emergency Leadership Team, and the Commencement Committee.

In order to ensure a safe ceremony, strict health protocols and precautions will be in effect for all attendees. Our Commencement Committee is working diligently to finalize their plans, including a virtual viewing component and detailed guidelines for the graduates and attendees

Detailed protocols will be shared directly by the Commencement Committee in the coming weeks. While the committee finalizes their planning, we can share the following points concerning the event format:

INCLEMENT WEATHER CONTINGENCY PLAN

• In the event that inclement weather would require commencement to be held indoors, only graduates will be permitted to attend.
• Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we would not be able to accommodate guests of graduates should the ceremony be moved indoors.
• The Commencement Committee will be monitoring weather forecasts closely with local authorities in order to make a decision on the ceremony venue in advance and communicate the plan to graduates as early as possible.

CELEBRATION OF GRADUATES

• In addition to our graduates being celebrated during this commencement, we invite our Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020 graduates to participate in the in-person ceremony on May 15, 2021.
• It is important to Langston University that we provide that opportunity now that circumstances have shifted to allow for an in-person experience this spring.
• Our esteemed alumni from Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020 will be welcomed should they choose to participate.

ADVANCED RSVP FOR GRADUATES

• An RSVP will be required to attend the ceremony and a reservation link will be sent directly to the eligible participants.
• The Office of the Registrar is working to verify and finalize the list of eligible commencement participants.
• Our graduates and our general University community can expect to receive additional updates as we approach the ceremony date.

The last twelve months have been among the most difficult that any of us will collectively experience in our lifetimes. It is with great pride that the Commencement Committee continues to build their plans for an in-person ceremony. We are reassured by these positive developments for a wonderful celebration of our greatest resource, the students and graduates whom we serve each day.

Sincerely,

Kent J. Smith, Jr., Ph.D.
President
LUNAA Life Member #864
(405) 466-3201
president@langston.edu

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