NSU Planning to Conduct Spring 2021 Graduation Ceremonies at Hard Rock Stadium

Posted on by Joe Donzelli

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& ASSIGNMENT EDITORS **
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First In-Person Commencements Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic

 

WHO:
Students from NSU’s undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and students from NSU University School

WHAT:
In-Person Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

WHERE:
Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardens

WHEN:
The final decision about graduations will be made on April 15, 2021. If the positivity rate is under five percent in Florida, we will hold the ceremonies. If it is higher, with the greater concerns for public health, we will still have commencements; however, they will be virtual.

The tentative Spring 2021 Commencement Schedule is as follows (specific times TBD):

  • Sun., May 16:
    • Shepard Broad College of Law (morning); NSU University School (afternoon)
  • Mon., May 17:
    • All Undergraduate Programs (morning);
    • Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship (afternoon)
  • Tue., May 18:
    • College of Dental Medicine, College of Psychology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (morning);
    • Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, College of Optometry, College of Pharmacy (afternoon)
  • Wed., May 19:
    • Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, College of Computing and Engineering, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (morning);
    • Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences (afternoon)

WHY:
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, NSU, like other institutions of higher learning, saw many of its normal operations severely impacted, including extracurricular activities as well as its planned commencement ceremonies. And like other colleges and universities, NSU turned to technology to provide a graduation experience for its students.

But we are keenly aware of the significance wearing graduation caps and gowns and receiving a diploma in person is for students as a way to mark a milestone in their lives. So returning to some semblance of normalcy this year was important. To that end, and along with our long-time friends the Miami Dolphins, NSU is very excited to be working towards offering in-person commencement ceremonies in the home of South Florida’s NFL franchise, Hard Rock Stadium.

“I am very excited and gratified to know that I will be able to truly see all of our students on their graduation day this spring,” said Dr. George Hanbury, NSU’s President and CEO. “We may be wearing our face coverings and maintaining our six-foot perimeter, but we will be sharing this well-earned and very proud milestone together with all of our Shark family.”

These ceremonies will be contingent upon circumstances allowing them to proceed – specifically, the positivity rate for COVID-19 in South Florida below five percent. If that is the case, commencement will take place, strictly adhering to all NSU and CDC guidelines and protocols implemented for COVID-19. We’ll all be wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing (that’s why we’re moving our ceremonies to Hard Rock Stadium as it is one of a very few venues that can accommodate the size of our gatherings in a safe and appropriate manner). Our graduates and platform group will be seated at safe social distance in chairs placed on the playing field and all of our guests will be accommodated in the spacious stands of this state-of-the-art facility. We’re staggering the ceremony times to allow the facility and platform to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for the next group of graduates and guests.

If the local positivity rate remains under five percent, NSU expects to award degrees to more than 8,500 bachelors, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree candidates, as well as to graduate our seniors from the NSU University School at this year’s in-person commencement ceremonies. With the utmost concern placed on the safety of our students, families, faculty, staff and guests, alternate plans will be made if the local positivity rate is above five percent.

 

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About Nova Southeastern University (NSU): At NSU, students don’t just get an education, they get the competitive edge they need for real careers, real contributions and real life. A dynamic, private research university, NSU is providing high-quality educational and research programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels. Established in 1964, the university includes 15 colleges, the 215,000-square-foot Center for Collaborative Research, the private JK-12 grade University School, the world-class NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center, one of Florida’s largest public libraries. NSU students learn at our campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and online globally. With nearly 200,000 alumni across the globe, the reach of the NSU community is worldwide.  Classified as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is one of only 50 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification, and is also the largest private institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education’s criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution. Please visit www.nova.edu for more information.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Donzelli, APR | Office of Media Relations
Nova Southeastern University
954-262-2159 (office) | 954-661-4571 (cell)
jdonzelli@nova.edu | www.nova.edu | @NSU_Joe

 

Joe Donzelli

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