Preparing for the Hybrid Ceremony
Congratulations to all of the Spring 2021 graduates. We are pleased to welcome you back to campus to celebrate the momentous milestone of graduation from Bowie State University. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only graduates will be allowed into Bulldog Stadium for the hybrid ceremony that will include both live and recorded segments. While the ceremony will be different than in the past, we are happy that you will be able to preserve the tradition of walking across the stage and into your bright future.
Before the Ceremony
Mandatory Registration
Each graduate can be accompanied by their family members in one car. (One vehicle per family). Graduates must register, even if they plan on attending without guests. Tickets will be sent to the graduates’ Bowie State email accounts and will be scanned upon arrival. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
As we want to ensure the success and safety for such a momentous occasion, graduates who will be bringing family to campus should consider the following:
- It may be a hot day, and many cars are not able to idle for up to 2 hours. Please plan accordingly and ensure that all guests are physically able to withstand the heat.
- Due to Prince George’s County COVID restrictions, families must stay in their vehicles.
- Porta Potties will be available to the guests who are parked in the parking lots.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus.
- All graduates and guests must wear masks outside of their vehicles.
COVID Testing
Graduates must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 2 days of visiting campus. COVID tests can be conducted at BSU or an off-campus lab. Please upload COVID test results to the Student Patient Portal to obtain a green badge for clearance to enter campus on commencement day.
The Wellness Center will be conducting free rapid tests for all graduates planning to attend rehearsal and/or graduation ceremony. Rapid COVID-19 testing will be held on Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm in Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing, Room 1224.
Make an appointment or upload test results on the Student Patient Portal
Send Special Messages to Friends & Family
From May 4-11, 2021, graduates will have the opportunity to upload a special message to their families and friends that will be shared online after the ceremony. Messages will also be available for graduates to download and share on social media. Check your BSU email account for more details from Stage Clip. Email questions to commencement@bowiestate.edu.
Commencement Day
Graduates must arrive with any guests who will accompany them in the same car between 8:00 - 9:30am, and must be at Bulldog Stadium no later than 9:30am. The ceremony will start promptly at 10:00 am.
Upon arrival to campus, registered vehicles will be directed to their designated lots to view the ceremony via live stream. Graduates will then make their way down the Commencement Walk to the Bulldog Stadium.
Before the ceremony begins, graduates will pick up their honor cords and name cards at the Bulldog Stadium and will be seated by college.
The ceremony will proceed rain or shine, so please be mindful of the weather. Graduates and guests who are not attending in person can watch the livestream.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, graduates will make the Commencement Walk back to their vehicle to continue the celebration off-campus.