Celebrating our graduates: UAF will host 98th commencement ceremony online

April 13, 2020

Carla Browning

ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Chancellor Daniel M. White congratulates the more than 600 graduates who attended UAF's 97th commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center Saturday, May 4, 2019. UAF photo by JR Ancheta.
ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Chancellor Daniel M. White congratulates the more than 600 graduates who attended UAF's 97th commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center Saturday, May 4, 2019. UAF photo by JR Ancheta.


UAF will host its 98th commencement ceremony online for the first time in the university’s history. This will take place at 1 p.m. ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ time on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

The online ceremony will feature many of the elements you’ve come to expect at a traditional ceremony, including remarks from leadership and alumni and individual recognition of your honors and achievements. Students will be recognized with an official slide that can be customized with a photo and personal message. The slide can be downloaded and shared on social media. 

Students will receive an email soon asking them to upload their photos and record their names.

There are plans to host a virtual Grad Bash as well. 

Students who choose to walk in the ceremony in May 2021 will be allowed to do so, and will receive a query from the Office of the Registrar early next year.

"As we remain socially distanced, it’s my hope that the class of 2020 comes together as a community, recognizing the importance and uniqueness of the day as you become one of UAF's approximately 35,000 alumni," Chancellor White told students in a recent email to this year's class. "This year has been extraordinary and unusual, but one thing remains constant. We’re all committed to celebrating your success."

Diplomas and honors cords will be mailed this summer. Students should make sure their UAOnline address is up to date.   

Join the for details.

If you have questions about this year's event, please email uaf-commencement-team@alaska.edu.