LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville is joining the list of Kentucky universities that plan to resume in-person commencement ceremonies this spring. The university announced it will host the ceremonies in May with outdoor events at Cardinal Stadium for both 2021 and 2020 graduates.

“The thrill of walking across the stage at commencement is back,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. “We are working hard to provide a safe, meaningful commencement experience for those graduating this spring as well as all those 2020 graduates whose commencement ceremonies were cancelled due to COVID-19.”

On May 7 and 8, three all-university ceremonies will be held. Smaller ceremonies for the Brandeis School of Law and a doctoral hooding for The Graduate School will follow on May 6. In the event of severe weather, May 9 will be an alternative date. 

The ceremonies will also be live-streamed.

This year will mark the first time UofL's commencement ceremonies, typically held inside at the KFC YUM! Center, have been held at Cardinal Stadium.

Details for the ceremonies are being finalized, and the university said they will follow all UofL, state, city, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19. According to a release from the university, the plans were approved by Gov. Andy Beshear's office.

“The safety and well-being of our graduates, their families, our faculty and staff and the community are of utmost concern and are guiding our decisions,” said Michael Mardis, dean of students, chief student affairs officer, and vice provost for student affairs. “We will be emphasizing physical distancing in addition to strict mask-wearing requirements.”

Roughly 1,800 students are expected to participate in the events. Each participant may invite eight guests, who will be seated in group pods of four seats apiece.

The University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University also have plans to host in-person commencement ceremonies.