Graduation events get state go-ahead

FAYETTEVILLE — Three days of University of Arkansas, Fayetteville commencement ceremonies in Bud Walton Arena have been approved by the state Department of Health.

Plans submitted by the university list a total of 1,929 students registered to participate in ceremonies beginning Dec. 17.

The university invited graduates from this calendar year’s spring, summer and fall semesters to attend the in-person events, as the campus did not host any spring ceremonies because of the pandemic. In October, UA stated that physical distancing and face coverings would be required, with each student allowed to have up to six guests at the ticketed events.

The largest number of graduates at any ceremony will be 529 with a maximum guest capacity of 3,174, according to UA’s plan released by the Health Department to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

UA spokesman Mark Rushing said the site remains undetermined for a ceremony honoring 20 architecture graduates, but all others are set for Bud Walton Arena. The plan states that the university “will be cleaning the venue in between ceremonies utilizing electrostatic machines.”

A letter dated Friday from the state Department of Health approving the plan states that students and families should be encouraged to disperse at the end of the ceremonies to avoid crowding. The plan submitted by UA states that graduates are to leave the arena after their time on stage.