SALT LAKE CITY — Southern Utah University has tentatively rescheduled its 2020 commencement and graduation events to Aug. 8.
The rites were originally scheduled for April 24 but postponed in light of social distancing recommendations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
An email sent to the campus community by SUU President Scott Wyatt and student leaders Jeff Carr and Brandon Payne said the Aug. 8 date “was the overwhelming choice of the Class of 2020 and a direct result of your suggestions and input.”
Nearly 1,250 people responded to a Southern Utah University Student Association survey with 78% indicating that a commencement ceremony later this summer was their top choice.
“This is a tremendous level of response in a short amount of time and speaks to the value placed on your experiences at SUU and desire for a traditional commencement ceremony,” the letter states.
Aug. 8 marks the end of SUU’s summer term.
“(It) will be a wonderful time for you and your loved ones to come back to campus, walk under the Carter Carillon and across the stage as the culmination of years of dedication and hard work,” the letter states.
The letter stresses the date is tentative and contingent on state and federal public health requirements in place in early August. Updates will be posted at suu.edu/graduation.
Graduates will receive their diplomas by mail in June or July.