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Posted: 4/27/21

TAMIU Students Guide University’s Plans for In-Person Commencement Ceremonies

 

Archival photo
Archival graduation photo  

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) 2020 graduates and 2021 candidates for graduation  have spoken.  Their online survey responses have guided TAMIU’s scheduling of long-awaited in-person Commencement Ceremonies at the Sames Auto Arena May 14 - 15, 2021.

Ceremonies will be scheduled Friday, May 14 at 4  and 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The student input was crucial to the University’s construction of four ceremonies meeting capacity guidelines respecting social distancing, masking and gathering restrictions, TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said.

“We know this is the cornerstone of the University completion experience for all our graduates and their families.  With the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our 2020 graduates did not have this opportunity and so will join their fellow graduates in  Spring 2021 ceremonies. Student survey response was pivotal to scheduling ceremonies respective of  event capacity.  We’re all looking forward to joining our graduates and their families to  mark this milestone in an intimate and deeply meaningful way,” Dr. Arenaz said.

The ceremonies are divided among the University’s five Colleges and Schools.

 

FRIDAY, MAY 14 –

The 4 p.m. Ceremony will include 2021 candidates for undergraduate degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences. 

The 7 p.m. Ceremony will include College of Arts and Sciences 2020 undergraduates and graduates, in addition to 2021 candidates for  graduate degrees.  The College of Arts and Sciences is TAMIU’s largest enrollment College.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 –

The 10 a.m. Ceremony will include College of Education and College of Nursing and Health Sciences candidates for graduation and 2020 undergraduates and graduates.  University College 2020 undergraduates will join them.

The 1 p.m. Ceremony will include 2020 undergraduates and graduates from the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, joined by  2021 candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees. University College 2021 undergraduates will join them.

Graduation ceremonies are limited to  320 participating individuals. Face coverings will be required.   A seated audience, masked and socially distanced, will be limited to a 1,280 person capacity at each event. Each TAMIU graduate and candidate for graduation is limited to four tickets by Arena requirements. Ticket pick-up instructions and additional event details will be shared by email with survey respondents  who confirmed their attendance in the survey. 

Dr. Arenaz said the University has worked closely with City of Laredo officials and Sames Auto Arena management in developing an approved plan following established distancing and gathering standards focused on a  shared priority commitment to safety and wellness.

“We greatly appreciate the City and Sames Auto Arena’s assistance, guidance and partnership in enabling  us to deliver these ceremonies safely. The memories they will make possible are sure to be treasured for years to come by all graduates and their families,” Arenaz said.

Additional information is available from TAMIU’s dedicated Commencement website at: https://www.tamiu.edu/commencement/, or through the Office of the Registrar, registrar@tamiu.edu or 956.326.2250.

TAMIU’s Fall 2021 plans are focused on a return to a vibrant, on-campus experience for students, faculty and staff for the 300-acre northeast Laredo campus. 

Registration for Maymester, Summer sessions and Fall at TAMIU is currently underway.