Lander University has received approval by the state to hold in-person commencement exercises for its Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 graduating classes.
To comply with all state-mandated COVID-19 safety measures, and to allow for appropriate social distancing inside Horne Arena, each graduating class has been divided into two (2) ceremonies based on academic colleges; and the number of graduates, guests and employees in the arena will be capped.
Spring 2020 Commencement (Saturday, Dec. 12)
Originally scheduled on May 13, the commencement ceremony for Spring 2020 graduates was moved to Saturday, Dec. 12. Dr. Lillian Craton, professor of English and Lander's Distinguished Professor of 2013, will serve as the keynote speaker
Graduates will be honored during designated times based on their academic college.
Fall 2020 Commencement (Tuesday, Dec. 15)
Fall graduates are expected to receive their degrees on Tuesday, Dec. 15 during the University's 162nd commencement exercise. Dr. Mandy Cleveland, Lander's 2020 Distinguished Professor of the Year and Associate Professor of Psychology, will be the keynote speaker
Graduates will receive their degrees during designated times based on their academic college.
Ceremony details
Ceremonies will be conducted in accordance with public health and government guidelines for social distancing and face mask usage. Doors to the arena will open one hour prior to each event and will close 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Latecomers and those without tickets will be directed to the Abney Cultural Center, where the ceremony will be broadcast via closed circuit television (CCTV) and projected onto a large screen.
Tickets
Tickets are required to enter Horne Arena. In order to accommodate pandemic guidelines for social distancing and limited capacity, tickets are limited to four (4) per graduate. All ceremonies will be livestreamed from the Lander website to accommodate those who cannot attend in person.
Safety and Security Measures - Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to provide a safe environment for graduates and guests, face masks will be required inside Horne Arena and the Abney Auditorium. Temperature checks will be taken before entry; those with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed inside. University police will enforce a clear bag policy. Security measures also include metal detectors at both main entrances of Horne Arena. All items are subject to search.
Livestream on Website
For those who cannot attend, a live stream of the ceremony will broadcast on Lander's website at www.lander.edu, beginning shortly before each ceremony is scheduled to begin.