COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri began the first of its many graduation ceremonies in 2021 on Friday with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

MU honors 5,547 students with more than 6,115 degrees through a series of in-person and socially distant ceremonies.

Graduates and their guests must wear a face mask at all times and keep their distance from other parties. Each graduate can accommodate six guests in a socially remote module. Each ticket will be printed with the date, time, location, name of ceremony, section, row and seat number.

For security reasons, no stage will be used, allowing social distancing between the platform party. Graduates will not be allowed to shake hands with a staff member while walking. However, if graduates receive a diploma cover, students can pick them up at a table.

Everyone is required to stay in their assigned seats at all times, including the media.

COVID-19 security plans include:

• Seat markers that indicate where not to sit
• Reading tables with plexiglass, wipes and gloves
• Registration tables with plexiglass, wipes and gloves
• Masks and face coverings available at the entrance to the Mizzou Arena
• Floor markings for graduates to keep their distance

MU says no ceremony will last longer than 75 minutes, in order to give staff time to disinfect graduate seats between ceremonies.

The ceremonies began at 9.45 a.m. Friday and will continue this weekend and next year.

Check back for more and watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.