MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– Beginning Friday, West Virginia University will hold 14 commencement ceremonies over three days to recognize about 4,500 graduates. On WAJR’s Talk of the Town,” Special Events Coordinator Senior Lisa Martin said the entire staff began preparations last week.
“The facilities workers are all busy making sure everything looks polished and is welcoming when our graduates and guests arrive,” Martin said.
The ceremonies will be held at the Coliseum and the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center beginning at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday ceremonies begin in the Coliseum at 11 a.m. Tickets are not required, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the clear bag policy will be enforced along with security screening at the entrance.
“Our ceremonies start early on Friday at 9 a.m., but our graduates will be asked to show up at least an hour prior for check-in,” Martin said. “So, Friday being a normal workday will also be a little bit of a challenge around Morgantown for traffic.”
Martin cautioned residents about inevitable traffic issues throughout the weekend and encouraged them to plan travel in town and allow extra travel time through the weekend. Additionally, the PRT is closed and will not be an option for the weekend.
“Sunday is our largest college, which is the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and that one starts a little bit later at 11 a.m.,” Martin said. “But it’s also Mother’s Day, so we’ll need to make sure we give them time to get in and around Morgantown and just make this experience for our graduates the best it can be.”
This commencement weekend will have zero coronavirus restrictions, so Martin expects big crowds and many photo opportunities for President Gordon Gee with students and families.
“He’s always prepared,” Martin said. “He loves the students, and the students love him, and he is looking forward to seeing all of them walk across the stages,” Martin said.
For Sunday and Mother’s Day, Martin sees the potential for a deluge of residents, graduates, and families flooding local eateries. Martin urges people to consider options near Morgantown if local establishments are excessively busy.
“There are some lovely places just outside Morgantown, and we just encourage people to be patient and understanding as the restaurants are trying to accommodate as many as they can with the staff that they have,” Martin said.