UA celebrates graduates with online ceremonies, website

The University of Alaska has canceled in-person commencement ceremonies as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast will host virtual commencement ceremonies.

The University of Alaska Anchorage surveyed graduating students who indicated they would prefer an in-person ceremony in the future rather than a virtual commencement ceremony this spring. In lieu of an online ceremony, UAA will launch a celebratory website on May 3 to acknowledge graduates and their tremendous accomplishments. The site honors the accomplishments of more than 1,150 undergraduate, graduate and professional school students from the Anchorage campus.

Virtual celebrations will still include elements of the traditional fanfare like remarks from UA leadership, student speakers and recognizing honorary degree and emeritus recipients. The modified celebrations will include a slideshow featuring graduates’ photos and a personal message to virtually honor their achievements. 

UAF launched a Class Ambassador program for graduates, students, faculty and others to share information and celebrate graduates leading up to commencement. Participants will receive an electronic tool kit for promoting the event and the first 20 graduates to sign up will receive a swag bag. 

Students at UAF will have an opportunity to participate in 2021 commencement exercises. 

The dates for UA’s virtual commencements include: