NSHE Chancellor Issues Guidance on Spring Commencement
Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Chancellor Melody Rose issued a memorandum to NSHE’s degree-granting institutions regarding spring 2021 commencement ceremonies.
The memorandum, sent to NSHE’s institution presidents Thursday, allows for flexibility in creating a range of safe commencement celebrations, guided by health guidelines for each unique campus community.
“NSHE institutions may schedule limited in-person ceremonies, virtual ceremonies, drive-thru ceremonies or a hybrid combination of the above or other creative ceremonies to ensure that students, families, friends, and faculty have a meaning graduation experience celebrating their achievements,” the memorandum stated.
The guidance follows Directive No. 41 issued by Governor Sisolak on March 15, which provided provisions regarding public gatherings that are particularly relevant to NSHE graduation ceremonies.
Chancellor Rose cautioned that while the current trends in Nevada surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are on a favorable trajectory, we must remain vigilant concerning a resurgence in the spread of the virus and its variants, as mass vaccination efforts are progressing but not yet complete.
“I am confident that NSHE’s institutions will plan for safe and unique in-person commencement ceremonies to celebrate the success of our students in accordance with applicable COVID-19 directives issued by Governor Sisolak, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nevada OSHA, and other federal, state, and county Covid-19 guidance,” Chancellor Rose said.
