SCAD Commencement provides options to celebrate

Written by Ali Grutchfield, Photos sourced from SCAD

As spring quarter begins here at SCAD, graduates from both classes of 2020 and 2021 can finally participate in commencement ceremonies. The upcoming events will mirror most of society in that they will certainly be different.  Whether you’re looking to graduate from your living room with a cup of coffee or waltz across a stage in a cap and gown, there’s an option for you.

Overall the two main choices for graduates are watching a digital live-stream commencement from home or attending an on-ground ceremony in Savannah or Atlanta. For any graduates, the fully virtual Presidential Conferment of Degrees will occur via live stream on Friday, May 28, at 9 a.m. EST.

For any Savannah-based students interested in attending an in-person ceremony, there will be four options available the weekend of May 28-29 at Memorial Stadium. For any Atlanta-based students, eLearning students or 2020 graduates interested in attending an in-person ceremony, there will be two taking place on Friday, May 28, at the Ameris Bank Amphitheater. To learn each location and academic school’s ceremony date and time visit: https://www.scad.edu/life/commencement.

All of the live ceremonies will also be live-streamed at the same link as the entirely virtual ceremony, and any students who choose not to attend will still be recognized during the event.

For all in-person ceremonies, students are entitled to two tickets each for family or friends. Because SCAD is committed to following all CDC guidelines, seating will be socially distanced and masks will be required for all attendees. Additionally, the doors to both venues will open an hour and a half before each ceremony begins.

In order to register to attend an in-person commencement and claim guest tickets, students must visit https://www.scad.edu/life/commencement by Wednesday, April 14. This also provides information on parking information and ordering caps and gowns, the deadline for which is Friday, May 14. Even if students do not plan to participate in any commencement options – virtual or in-person – students needed to apply to graduate by Sunday, March 21.

Any questions regarding commencement ceremonies or graduation requirements, can be sent to graduation@scad.edu.

Because our public health climate is constantly changing, students are encouraged to regularly check the commencement registration and information pages for updates, as SCAD is committed to maintaining both graduate and guest safety, as well as the integrity of the commencements.

Although this year has felt different for everyone, SCAD wants to make all of its graduates feel special and accomplished. Share your commencement moments on social media, using #SCADGRAD and #SCAD2021. We want everyone to share the special moment that they have spent years working towards.