Commencement 2021

To parents and families of the Class of 2021,

We are pleased to announce that Wake Forest will celebrate the undergraduate Class of 2021 in person for Commencement. We will hold multiple smaller ceremonies for undergraduates to allow individuals to be recognized by name in front of families and guests, as well as one large celebration. We will livestream ceremonies and celebrations when possible.

Working within current health and safety guidelines and recommendations from infectious disease experts, we anticipate being able to accommodate two guests per graduate at each ceremony and celebration. This may change as public health conditions change.

We are still working out the details for the various ceremonies and celebrations. As such, we cannot yet confirm the exact date, time and venue for each event. We are targeting Sunday, May 16, and/or Monday, May 17, to conduct most undergraduate Commencement activities. 

We will share details regarding dates and times on Friday, March 19, to help with planning, and then additional details will be shared as they become available. We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we continue working out those plans.

Thank you for your support and goodwill as we have navigated the pandemic and the changes that it brought to our community in the last year. We look forward to honoring the Class of 2021 this May.

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Dear Class of 2021,

I am pleased to announce that Wake Forest is planning to hold 2021 Commencement ceremonies in person this May. Public health conditions and guidance are shifting rapidly, and we are refining plans to celebrate our graduates and protect the health of our community.

Our plans currently include the following:

– Most undergraduate Commencement activities will be held Sunday, May 16, and/or Monday, May 17.

– We will hold multiple smaller ceremonies for the undergraduate Class of 2021 to allow individuals to be recognized by name in front of families and guests.

– Most, if not all, ceremonies will take place outside in one of Wake Forest’s athletic stadiums to adhere to state gathering limits and social distancing protocols. We know this represents a significant change from the look and feel of our traditional commencement on Hearn Plaza, but we are confident that we will create a memorable and meaningful experience. Both formal and informal photo opportunities will be available in front of Wait Chapel.

– Additionally, we anticipate a large, celebratory event for undergraduates in the Class of 2021 at Truist Stadium. While not “traditional,” this will be a high-energy event that you won’t want to miss.

– All ceremonies and celebrations will be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events will be delivered virtually.

– We will livestream ceremonies and celebrations when possible.

– Currently, we anticipate being able to accommodate two guests per graduate at each ceremony and celebration. This may change as public health conditions change.

Due to the number and variety of ceremonies and celebrations, we cannot yet confirm the exact date, time and venue for each event. We will share more details on Friday, March 19.

I am grateful that we can mark this milestone together, and I look forward to honoring your achievements.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President