BSU Commencement Moved to Outdoor Venue

December 16, 2021

With continuing concern about the increase of COVID 19 cases on campus and across the local region, Bowie State University has announced that the Dec. 22, 2021 commencement ceremony will shift to an outdoor tented location on the campus at Holmes Quad with only graduates and faculty attending the in-person ceremony.

Limited number of family and friends will be allowed to view the ceremony via a live stream at satellite locations on campus. Proof of vaccination, social distancing and masks will be required in all venues. Students must also provide proof of a negative test within 72 hours of graduation.

Additional logistical information will be provided to graduating seniors to facilitate participation in the ceremony.

Positive test results reported at the university this week since Monday, rose to 176 today. Enhanced safety measures have been implemented to help mitigate further spread within the community.

  1. All final exams will be administered only online
  2. Residential students who can, are encouraged to check out early to complete finals at home
  3. Dining hall service is take-out only
  4. All social events, student programs and recreational activities have been suspended or moved to virtual formats

Commencement is a very important event in the life of the university, so every effort is being made to ensure that it is a memorable experience for our graduates, in spite of the current uptick in COVID cases. Everyone who remains on campus is urged to closely observe all of the COVID-19 safety protocols:

  • Get booster shots
  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor places 
  • Stay six feet apart from others, when possible 
  • Wash your hands often and exercise respiratory etiquette

Any questions about COVID-19 protocols or university operations can be emailed to covid19@bowiestate.edu. Please monitor the COVID-19 Updates webpage for the latest information.