University of Mississippi Celebrating Graduates in Live, Virtual Event

Ole Miss leaders evaluating plans for in-person ceremony at later date

As University of Mississippi leaders continue to evaluate plans to hold an in-person Commencement ceremony at a later date, the university will honor its graduates in a live, virtual celebratory event on May 9.

“The university remains committed to doing all it can to honor our graduates in person when it is safe for us to come together as a university community,” Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce said. “And while we aren’t able to gather in the Grove and at other beautiful venues on our campus right now for traditional pomp and circumstance, we could not let our originally scheduled Commencement day pass without recognizing the incredible achievements, character and spirit of this class of graduates.”

The virtual event will begin at noon. Additional details of the celebration will be shared closer to May 9.

As part of the virtual celebration, all graduates will receive an official cap and tassel from the university, to be mailed in a “grad pack” along with a few other celebratory items.

Additionally, the university is creating a collection of virtual mementos to recognize the entire class. Stories, photos, personalized online announcements and a digital Commencement program are among the items planned to celebrate graduates.

“It is important to note that the May 9 event is not intended to replace an in-person ceremony and, in spite of the ongoing uncertainties facing us with the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to explore possible dates for an in-person Commencement ceremony,” Boyce said. “We commit to sharing more as we can identify a date that allows us to move forward while keeping the safety and health of our graduates and their guests as our top priority.”