The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will hold a virtual fall 2020 commencement ceremony due to ongoing health concerns with COVID-19. Campus leadership made the decision after considering federal, state and county COVID-19 guidelines. The virtual ceremony will premiere on Saturday, December 19 at 9 a.m. on the UH Hilo commencement website.
“This year’s graduates have pursued their learning through lava, hurricane and pandemic,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “I am impressed with their resilience and grateful for the dedication of the faculty and staff who have helped them in this journey. The future of our island and our state is in good hands with these remarkable graduates.”
Graduates are welcome to upload up to five photos and three short personal messages, which will be featured on their personalized page on the commencement website.
The ceremony will feature congratulatory videos from UH Hilo dignitaries and Kīpaepae ceremonial protocol. Students interested in wearing traditional kīhei must attend a virtual orientation beforehand and register by November 13. On graduation day, the virtual kīhei tying will be held on Zoom at 8:30 a.m. for those that have participated in the orientation. A portion of the ceremony will also include a drive-through, pending COVID-19 conditions. Students will be provided with information at the end of November.
A printed commencement program will be available upon request. Graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail.
