TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s summer commencement ceremonies, set for Monday, Aug. 16, will be broadcast live over the Internet.

Approximately 1,260 degrees will be conferred during the 9 a.m. ceremony in Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. UA holds commencement ceremonies three times a year -- in May, August and December.

“With the May webcast, it was the University’s hope that this service would meet the needs of graduates and their guests who could not attend, as well as all the members of the Crimson Tide family interested in this special event, and the feedback certainly shows us we accomplished that,” said Dr. Roger Thompson, assistant vice-president for enrollment management and University registrar.

One person who benefited from UA’s May commencement webcast – a first for the University – was Col. Robert V. Adamson of Alexander City, currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad. His son, Chad, graduated in May, and Adamson watched the graduation from Iraq.

“Needless to say, I was disappointed to think I would miss his college graduation,” said Adamson. “But I was able to log on and watch my son walk across the stage and shake Dr. Witt’s hand. It was a proud moment for me,” he added.

Those who wish to view the ceremonies on the Internet can go to the main UA web page at http://www.ua.edu/ to find the webcast link. The webcast will require the free Windows Media Player and a broadband connection. The webcast will be archived on UA’s web site.