Due to the continuing public health risks and state orders barring large gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the University of Oregon will conduct spring commencement virtually again this year.

The live webcast of the ceremony scheduled for June 12 will be followed by prerecorded ceremonies from each school and college. Graduates will have an opportunity to be recognized virtually by adding a photo, message or short video to a personalized slide.

Vice President for Student Life Kevin Marbury said it was a hard decision, knowing that a virtual celebration is not how graduates pictured the culmination of their time at the UO.

“We have exciting things planned for the live virtual event and look forward to having our graduates and their families tuning in to celebrate with us,” Marbury said.

Marbury encouraged 2021 graduates and their families to participate in the festivities and make them special, as the 2020 graduates did last June.

“To those of you who will be graduating this spring, you have so much to celebrate,” he said. “Your accomplishments and work along this journey have led you to this outstanding achievement. I am deeply proud of each of you — for your strength during this difficult time, for your resilience to push forward, and for the community you share with each other.”

Students will be asked to opt in by May 15 to participate in commencement this year. To make commencement day extra special, the university is putting together a celebration package full of surprises to be mailed to eligible students who opt in by that date. Potential graduates will be sent a separate email early in spring term that will provide the instructions for opting in.

In addition to the livestream and school and college ceremonies, additional livestreamed or prerecorded events may be hosted. Instructions on how to personalize slides and a complete schedule will be listed on the commencement website in spring term.

Question about the festivities can be directed to commencement@uoregon.edu,