About 450 grads to participate in Commencement Dec. 10 

Pittsburg State University has announced details of Fall Commencement plans that, like last year, will look different than pre-pandemic events.  

More than 600 students will be awarded degrees, and of those, an anticipated 450 graduates will participate in four separate Commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 10, according to their college: 3:30 p.m. for College of Technology, 5 p.m. for Kelce College of Business, 6:30 p.m. for College of Arts & Sciences, and 8 p.m. for College of Education. Each ceremony will include both undergraduate and graduate degree candidates. 

Held in the John Lance Arena of the Garfield Weede Building, the ceremonies also will utilize the Robert W. Plaster indoor track to allow graduates and their guests to space out as they gather and line up in a processional.  

Until Dec. 8, each graduate may register up to six guests, who must have tickets. They’ll first gather in the Robert W. Plaster Center on the indoor track, which will allow for distancing. As with last year, graduates will walk in the processional to the stage and hear their name being announced, and their six guests may accompany them in the processional for photographs and video.  

Additional non-ticketed guests may attend and sit in the arena, as long as they arrive with their graduate at the Plaster Center. 

All ceremonies will be livestreamed at pittstate.tv to accommodate additional family and friends not able to attend in person. 

The university still is monitoring the status of the COVID-19 virus in the community to determine whether masks will be required. If required, an announcement will be made on Tuesday.  

“Though elements of our ceremonies have changed a bit since pre-pandemic, one thing will never change: the priority we place on recognizing and celebrating the achievement of our graduates,” said President Steve Scott. “It’s such an important milestone and is a chance to publicly thank everyone who played a role in helping them along the way. It's also the start of an exciting new chapter for our graduates as they take the next step toward their careers and their dreams.” 

Scott noted that the Fall Class of 2021 deserves credit for having adapted to new ways of doing things, and for patience and flexibility during uncertain times over the past two academic years.  

“The grit and determination they each demonstrated to complete their college degree shows great character,” he said. 

For complete and current Commencement details, visit https://www.pittstate.edu/registrar/commencement