Content Loading
Skip to main content
The Bulldog - For the SWOSU Family

Commencement 2020

Canceled due to COVID 

Dear Graduate-to-be:

Commencement is always a special time at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

The university had originally planned to celebrate May 2020 graduates at a fall ceremony, however the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make it unsafe to have large gatherings. Thus, SWOSU must make changes to its calendar, and plans to provide several alternative methods of celebrating our graduates who planned to participate in the ceremony:

  • Graduates will have an opportunity to take a professional photo with their gown and diploma cover at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center. SWOSU has scheduled two days — November 16 and 17 — for this opportunity. There is no cost for the photo session, and students can order photos if they want (no obligation to order). If you are interested, please email Jordan Selman in the PR & Marketing Office at jordan.selman@swosu.edu. Ten students will be scheduled in each 30-minute time slot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pictures will take place in the west and north lobbies of the Pioneer Cellular Event Center. Times are Monday, November 16, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and Tuesday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Alma Mater Merc has caps/gowns provided by the university for graduates who have not already picked them up.
  • A graduation program will be printed, and each graduate will receive four copies.
  • Even though there will not be a live ceremony this fall, we invite graduates to participate in the May 2021 ceremony. If you intend to participate in the commencement ceremony in May 2021 and graduated in Fall 2019 through Summer 2020, DO NOT reapply for graduation. You are already eligible to participate and your name will be included in the commencement program

We are deeply sorry that we cannot have the ceremony this fall, but it is in the best interest of everyone at this time.

Students may pick up their cap and gown in the Alma Mater Merc bookstore located in Mann Hall.  Regalia will be available during store hours.  Any questions can be directed to Ashley Hancock @ ashley.hancock@swosu.edu.