Dear USF community,
On Monday, we announced the University of South Florida’s plans for an in-person commencement to honor our spring 2021 graduates scheduled for May 7-9 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Since the announcement, my leadership team and I have received valuable feedback from students and families who wish to ensure a personalized experience while balancing the need to provide a safe environment. After consulting with experts from USF Health and the university event management team, we’re pleased to announce plans to read each graduate’s name during the ceremony while they stand to be recognized.
Students must still register to attend by Monday, April 5, to be eligible to attend and have their name announced. Please click this link to RSVP. Shortly after the registration window has closed and we are able to evaluate how many students plan to participate in the ceremony, we will announce exact event dates and times for the weekend of May 7-9. Remember that the graduation application you submit through OASIS is different than registering to attend commencement — you must complete the RSVP form to attend. Students who previously submitted an RSVP do not need to complete the survey again.
As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our decisions are guided by medical experts and public health data, with the health and safety of our community as our priority. Some students and families are not yet comfortable traveling or attending in-person commencement. For spring 2021 graduates who choose not to attend this May’s ceremonies, we will welcome you back for our makeup in-person ceremonies being planned for later this year to honor our spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates.
Lastly, we are pleased to share additional details for our on-campus commencement photo opportunity that will be offered at our Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Students will have the chance to take formal commencement portraits by the university’s official photographer in front of the official USF backdrop, as well as at meaningful locations on our campuses.
For photographs, the following dates and times have been established for each campus:
- St. Petersburg campus: Monday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 7, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Tampa campus: Thursday, April 8, through Saturday, April 10, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sarasota-Manatee campus: Friday, April 23, noon -7 p.m.
Similar to the commencement ceremony, advance registration will be required for your photo opportunity, and sign-up information will be available soon.
For more information, please visit the Commencement website and read our updated FAQ.
If you have further questions, please email the Commencement team.
Sincerely,
President Currall