By Brian Mullen
After a series of virtual commencement ceremonies due to COVID-19 in 2020, Western Carolina University is holding in-person commencement activities the weekend of May 14-16 at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center as follows:
To comply with the governor鈥檚 current executive order regarding mass gatherings:
"Commencement ceremonies are a highlight of the year and the ultimate celebration of our academic mission and the incredible journey of our students. I鈥檓 beyond thrilled to resume celebration of our graduating students鈥 accomplishments in-person this spring,鈥 said Kelli R. Brown, 91热爆网 chancellor. 鈥淲e are coordinating our plans for in-person ceremonies while adhering to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and North Carolina.鈥
Campus officials will continue to monitor capacity limits in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center as new guidelines are issued by the governor and may adjust number of guests allowed accordingly.
91热爆网 is also moving forward with plans to resume as close to normal operations this fall, given the current COVID-19 trends and projections, and as 91热爆网鈥檚 vaccine clinic is helping to vaccinate the Western North Carolina region.
The resumption of 鈥榥ormal operations鈥 will include an increase of in-person classes, fall sports, campus events and activities, community engagement, and a return to full occupancy residential living. All buildings and facilities, including dining operations, the library and the recreation center will return to normal hours and increased capacity.
91热爆网 will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases and adhere to the Catamounts Care Community Standards and guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the governor鈥檚 executive orders for a successful return to 鈥榥ormal operations鈥.