Bluefield State College’s Spring 2020 Commencement Programs Will Take Place June 12-13 at Mitchell Stadium

The persistence and academic achievements of Bluefield State College’s Class of 2020 will be celebrated during the College’s 2020 Commencement Exercises, June 12-13 at Mitchell Stadium. 

Nearly 300 Bluefield State College graduates will be awarded degrees during two ceremonies, June 12 and June 13, at Mitchell Stadium.  Following the decision to postpone its graduation program because of pandemic-related concerns, the College has worked steadily to identify and implement essential safety measures to permit the Class of 2020’s Commencement to take place.

Special measures are being implemented for the safety of the College’s graduates, their families and friends, and all other attendees and participants at each program.  Here are the schedules for each program.

On June 12, BSC School of Nursing & Allied Health graduates will receive their diplomas in the program, which begins at 6:00 pm.  The gates will open at 4:00 p.m.  No one will be allowed to enter the stadium after 5:00 p.m.

On June 13, graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences, William Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business, School of Education, and School of Engineering and Computer Sciences will receive their diplomas.  That program begins at 11:00 a.m.  Gates will open at 7:30 am.  No one will be permitted to enter the stadium after 10:00 am.

As a safety precaution, graduates and guests who plans to attend commencement complete a Coronavirus Exposure Form (located online at bluefieldstate.edu) and also available at the event.  The completion of this form is mandatory before anyone will be allowed to enter the stadium for the commencement ceremony.

Check in Tables located at the East ramp leading into the stadium, at which all attendees are required to have their temperature checked and provide a completed Coronavirus Exposure Form before entering the stadium.  Prior to arriving at the stadium, everyone is asked to print and complete copies of the form for each member of their group.  In doing so, they will expedite the check in process when arriving at the program.  If anyone in a group is deemed a risk for transmission, no member of that group will be allowed into Mitchell Stadium.

At the check-in table, everyone will also be required to pick up a face mask and gloves unless they have their own mask/gloves.  NO ONE will be allowed to enter the stadium without the facemask and gloves.  Masks and gloves will be issued to each attendee and social distancing is required.

Once they enter the stadium, everyone in a group may sit together. However, they are required to socially distance by sitting a minimum of six feet away from the next group. 

 “This semester has been unlike any other semester in Bluefield State College’s 125-year history,” noted BSC President Robin Capehart.  “We have only the highest praise for the Class of 2020, their families and friends, and for the College’s faculty and staff for the indomitable spirit all have shown to triumph over the pandemic’s challenges.”