YSU hosts Virtual Commencement Saturday, May 9

Youngstown State University will host a virtual graduation experience 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, for graduates, family and friends to celebrate Spring 2020 Commencement.

“While nothing can replace us coming together to celebrate, this virtual experience is an opportunity for our graduates to share this special day with family and friends,” said Brien Smith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, YSU transitioned to remote instruction earlier this spring and announced that it was postponing its traditional campus commencement ceremony scheduled for May 9 in Stambaugh Stadium.

The virtual commencement will include many of the elements of regular commencement, including remarks from President Jim Tressel and concluding with the scrolling of the names of all graduates, the formal moving of the tassel and the singing of the YSU alma mater. More details on how to access the online video presentation will be available soon.

“While there has been little certainty around the world over the course of the last three months, one thing is certain: this will be a commencement unlike any other in our 112-year history,” Tressel said. “While earning a degree is an accomplishment that requires much work and commitment, those of you in the class of 2020 will be remembered for a perseverance that’s really quite unprecedented.”

The university plans to mail commencement caps and gowns to graduates, to use during the virtual ceremony and to keep as a lasting memory of their time at YSU.

“Though we are disappointed that we cannot at this time celebrate in person, we also are inspired that graduates across the region and the country will be able to mark this very special occasion,” Tressel said.

As is the case with all commencements, diplomas will be mailed six to eight weeks after the graduation date. Students will receive tracking information via their YSU email address when their diploma has been shipped.

For more information, visit the YSU Commencement webpage or email commencement@ysu.edu.