Commencement ceremony to be postponed

Each year, it is my honor to welcome thousands of graduates to celebrate with their loved ones and our academic community at Commencement festivities. 

This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, I am disappointed to announce that we must postpone Commencement, but we are eager to celebrate our students' achievements later this summer. 

Graduation and Commencement
Although everyone is completing the semester remotely, our goal is to have every candidate for graduation complete their requirements on time. Commencement this year will become a two-step celebration. 

In May, we will hold a virtual ceremony of sorts to officially confer degrees and recognize the Class of 2020. Students’ transcripts will reflect their achievements at the end of the semester and we will issue diplomas, as usual. 

In late summer, we hope to finally celebrate by hosting a Commencement ceremony where we will follow tradition by calling graduates individually to the stage during the program. We look forward to giving everyone an opportunity to share this special moment with loved ones. 

While I hope with all my heart that we will be able to proceed with Commencement events, our plan for a summer ceremony could change, given how rapidly this public health crisis is evolving.

I am proud of you
To the members of the Class of 2020, please know I am proud of you and look forward to celebrating your achievements. I know this postponement is a great disappointment to you and the loved ones who have supported your hard work. 

However, I encourage you to stay focused and finish the semester strong. Please take advantage of the remote education resources that will help you over the next several weeks. 

We will share information about the modified plans for Commencement as we near the end of the semester. 

Be well.  

Yours truly,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.
President