BSU’s plans for Commencement

March 5, 2021

The email below was sent to BSU students this afternoon as an announcement of the university’s current plans regarding commencement.

Hello BSU students!

We have heard your questions — you all want to know what Bemidji State University is planning for our 2021 Commencement. While there are still some details to be ironed out, what we can tell you today is this: with the ever-changing COVID-19 situation we are opting to protect the health and safety of you and your family, friends and loved ones with a mostly virtual event.

A graduation ceremony represents the end of your college journey, and after the sacrifices you’ve made over the last year and a half we want to celebrate this achievement with you. While continuing to follow guidance on in-person events from the state and the Minnesota Department of Health, we are working on creative ways to recognize our graduates that will both celebrate your accomplishments and give you as much of the traditional commencement experience as we can.

Our plan to recognize you and your fellow 2021 graduates will be divided into two parts:

  • First, you will have an opportunity to put on your cap and gown and participate in a photo opportunity with BSU administrators, just as you would have done on the stage at the Sanford Center. We intend to provide you and your families with access to professional photography through GradImages, the vendor we have used at our commencements for several years. You will receive a digital proof free of charge and be provided with access to a website where you or your family may purchase prints.
  • Second, photos and video from these on-campus photo opportunities will be incorporated into our virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 7. For those of you unable to attend the in-person photo opportunity, you’ll be invited to submit your own photos which we hope will include the items you’ll find inside your grad box.

What’s a grad box? Before the photo opportunity you will receive a box from us that will contain your diploma cover, a commemorative tassel, a mortar board, and some other surprises that we will save for later. We encourage you to wear the tassel and mortar board for the photos.

We will have more specific information to share with you soon. Until then, there are some things you should review on BSU’s Commencement website (bemidjistate.edu/commencement) — how to order your cap and gown, information on this year’s Commencement book and more. Keep an eye on your student email and on this website for updates.

If you have questions, there are a few ways you can reach out to us for answers:

While we would certainly all prefer a traditional in-person commencement, we are excited to create this opportunity to share in your achievement. I hope you will be able to participate fully in these activities, celebrate your success and create memories that will last for the rest of your life.

Please note: by sharing photos or video with us for inclusion in this year’s commencement activities, you are granting Bemidji State University the rights to use your image/file as part of commencement videos and in others publication intended for educational, promotional, fund-raising, or other related use, including public display on webpages and web-based publications. You consent to the public release of the Recordings for the above-stated purposes, pursuant to the consent provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) and/or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232 et seq., if applicable.