USF Spring Graduation Ceremony Changes, Names Will Be Read

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Graduating students at the University of South Florida were initially told by President Steven Currall that their names would not be read at commencement ceremonies planned for early May at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Disappointment was expressed by students and families about the decision to USF after the announcement was made Monday. USF has since reconsidered.

Students and faculty were informed via email Wednesday that those plans have changed to include a personalized experience for graduating ceremonies.

"Since the announcement, my leadership team and I have received valuable feedback from students and families who wish to ensure a personalized experience while balancing the need to provide a safe environment," Currall said in an email. "After consulting with experts from USF Health and the university event management team, we’re pleased to announce plans to read each graduate’s name during the ceremony while they stand to be recognized.

Some students and families are not comfortable attending the upcoming in-person commencement, according to USF. For spring 2021 graduates who do not want to attend May's ceremonies, the college is providing makeup in-person ceremonies for later in 2021 that will also include spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates.

"Honestly, when the announcement was made that names would not be read, I did not have a strong reaction either way," Courtney Amos, a graduating journalism major senior, told Patch. "Even before the pandemic, I had never planned on attending commencement when I graduated just because I don't particularly like big ceremonies. However, I realize that many students feel differently about commencement and are really excited, so I felt bad for my fellow graduates who were likely very disappointed that they would not be getting the proper, personal recognition that each of them deserves."

Amos said she is glad the university decided to read names at the ceremony, because at least one component of a graduation will stay the same with so many adjustments happening at commencements during the pandemic.

Pre-pandemic, USF held graduations at the Mahaffey Theater for graduating students from the St. Petersburg campus. Students from the Tampa and Sarasota—Manatee campuses will also be part of the university-wide commencement tentatively scheduled May 7 through May 9 at the Tropicana Field.

Currall said the university will announce exact event dates and times for the graduation weekend after the registration window has closed with the number of students who plan to participate in the ceremony.

The university sent students RSVP instructions in the graduation announcement email. COVID-19 safety precautions will be implemented at the commencement.