August Commencement Update

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In light of the ongoing changes due to COVID-19, below is a brief update on August Commencement.

1. We are still on and look forward to celebrating with our graduates and their family members, Friday, August 7 at 7 p.m. on Colloms Lawn. In the event of rain, we will move the ceremony to McMinn County High School and all times will remain the same.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, our rain location is no longer available for our use. As a result, if it rains, we will have the ceremony in Townsend Hall and only graduates, the platform party and a few VIP guests will be permitted to attend. We will livestream the ceremony and will have a photographer present. We are very sorry that this is the rain plan; however, we do not have access to an indoor facility large enough to accommodate graduates and your guests.

2. We've updated some details of the day in compliance with the Governor's newest Executive Order:

•Limit of 4 guests per graduate on the ceremony site. We will have 4 chairs set up throughout the graduation site for each graduate's family. The chairs will allow for social distancing, but allows families to sit together. Please do not move chairs.

•Open areas outside of the site (Colloms Lawn) will be available for families to gather with their own chairs or blankets.

•Johnson Event Center (inside the Colloms Campus Center) will be set up to view the live stream, which will also be available live on YouTube. Seating will be limited due to social distancing and available first come, first seated.

•Guests should consider, in addition to COVID-19, that it will be warm outside in August!

3. Rehearsal for graduates will be at 5 p.m. in Townsend Auditorium. Graduates should arrive by 4:45 so to be seated and begin rehearsal on time. They will need cap, gown and mask/face covering. Do not bring personal items as we do not have storage.  

4. Please follow all CDC guidelines for safety measures while on campus.

As always, we'll continue to communicate if there are any changes.