In an email to the South Dakota State University’s Class of 2020, the Office of Academic Affairs announced that instead of gathering in Frost Arena for commencement, the event will be held online.

There will be three virtual commencements May 9. At 10 a.m. (CST), there will be a video ceremony for the following:

• College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Nursing 
• Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. 

At 2 p.m. a video honoring graduates of the following colleges will be released: 

• College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Education and Human Sciences 
• College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions

At 5 p.m, a video honoring all Master’s and Doctoral graduates will be released.

In the same email, the Office of Academic Affairs also announced that they “are committed to providing you (graduates) the opportunity to cross the stage as a Jackrabbit graduate.” The email did not provide a date. 

“Please know, however, that the commencement task force will continue to meet and will engage the SDSU COVID-19 Response Team to make a determination on the future celebration based on the public health situation,” the email said.

If graduates wish to order a cap and gown, they are asked to purchase by April 24, in order to ensure they will receive it by May 9. The link can be found here. 

Graduates are also asked to fill out a commencement package request.