After a rising level of COVID-19 cases in Tennessee thwarted an attempt to hold rescheduled Class of 2020 commencement ceremonies on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus, a virtual commencement is now set for Sunday, Aug. 30.
Both undergraduates and graduates will be commemorated in the virtual format. As part of the commencement, every graduate will have a personalized slide with the student’s name, degree and honors received. Each slide also can be personalized with an image and a quote or message of thanks. More details, including the exact ceremony time and where it can be seen, will be provided closer to the Aug. 30 date.
“We know there is no substitute for walking across the stage to be acknowledged as a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, but we hope this virtual alternative will provide an opportunity for you, your family and the entire campus community to celebrate your accomplishments,” UTC Chancellor Steven R. Angle said in a note to graduates. “We hope you will participate.”
The original UTC calendar listed graduation ceremonies for the first weekend in May, but commencement was postponed due to coronavirus. At the time, the hope was that the virus would run its course and the accomplishments of its spring 2020 graduates would be celebrated in early August.
However, due to escalating COVID-19 numbers in the region, the decision was made July 17 to cancel the rescheduled celebration and keep large groups from assembling on campus just days before the opening of fall semester.
Refunds for graduation caps, gowns and hoods are being coordinated by the UTC Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble. Graduates who request a refund from the UTC Bookstore must submit the online form—https://bit.ly/30R20QP—by Aug. 1.
Class of 2020 graduates are asked to regularly check their UTC emails for additional information about virtual commencement proceedings.
