Tulane University will not host an in-person, unified commencement this year. Instead, this event will be in a virtual format, similar to last year. This year’s keynote speaker will be Ruby Bridges, an icon of the civil rights movement who, at age six, became the youngest of a group of African American students to integrate public schools in New Orleans. The event, which will include keynote addresses and the conferral of degrees, will be streamed on the commencement website.
Since we want to provide students with the opportunity to walk across the stage in their robes, graduating students will have the option of attending individual school ceremonies in the days immediately preceding virtual Unified Commencement. These multiple, small school-based ceremonies – which are limited to 90 minutes each to comply with state guidelines – will take place over three days (May 19-21) in Yulman Stadium. Attendance will be limited to graduating students and no more than four guests per graduate – all events will also be livestreamed. Students and guests will be required to follow all safety protocols. All guests are highly encouraged to obtain a vaccine and/or get tested before traveling.
