UCO students have persevered through the ups and downs of the last year, and with improving COVID-19 conditions, the seniors of UCO deserve to graduate with the friends and family that supported them along the way. The following facts support allowing a limited amount of guests per graduate:

• Surrounding universities such as OU, OSU and OBU have declared they will allow limited guests, or have already held in person graduation ceremonies with guests
• COVID-19 numbers are continuing to improve and are projected to be even better by May
• A large number of people within our community have been vaccinated 
• We have returned to in person schooling and many groups of students have been approved by the school to return into the community for their organizations
• There are outdoor venues available that could accommodate a large group safely 
• Masks will be mandated as well as social distancing to ensure safety  
• There are many other events that have  been approved by UCO with limitations such as indoor volleyball and basketball games, softball games, indoor wrestling matches, track and field events, and a high school football state playoff game
• Many of us are first generation colleges students with families and friends that have been looking forward to attending this graduation our whole lives
• We only ask for the same allowances that have been made for sports, be made for one of the most momentous days of our lives