The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a hybrid spring commencement ceremony with both a virtual ceremony and an in-person experience to celebrate the university’s spring 2021 undergraduates.

A pre-recorded video commencement ceremony featuring the names of graduates, photos of grads in their caps and gowns, and speeches from university officials will serve as a permanent celebration of degree recognition. This virtual ceremony will be posted on June 5.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, UA Little Rock will hold a degree recognition ceremony over the weekend of April 24-25 at Jack Stephens Center. May 1 will serve as an overflow date if needed. Social distancing and masks will be required, though masks can be removed for photos. The Bowen School of Law will hold a separate ceremony on May 15, and the Graduate School will soon be announcing its plans for separate in-person ceremonies for doctoral and masters students.

Graduates and up to two guests will come to the Jack Stephens Centers at a reserved time to celebrate their graduation. Chancellor Christina Drale and academic deans will present students with their diploma covers, and a professional photographer will capture each degree recognition as they would in a traditional ceremony.

“We believe this experience will provide a wonderful, lasting memory for students and families to commemorate their achievement,” said Malissa Mathis, registrar and hybrid commencement co-chair.

Guests and students should be prepared to stand as they promenade through the mezzanine at the Jack Stephens Center for their official degree recognition. Additional photo backgrounds will be available at the Jack Stephens Center so graduates can take pictures with their guests. Contests for the best-decorated graduation cap and footwear will be located on the mezzanine. Winners of the cap and footwear contests will be announced in the official video commencement ceremony.

Graduates will receive an email from UA Little Rock with a link to register for the in-person event or to submit their pictures for the virtual ceremony. 

If you have any questions about the hybrid commencement ceremony, please contact Dr. Erin Finzer, hybrid commencement co-chair, at esfinzer@ualr.edu.