October Commencement ceremonies postponed for the Class of 2020 until 2021.
UMass Dartmouth has had to alter its re-opening plans due to the latest health and safety recommendations and data on the COVID-19 pandemic nationally and in our state. Our de-densification efforts on campus are to protect our community while ensuring that students that need to take required face-to-face labs, studios, and clinicals maintain their academic progress.
Quite recently, the Baker Administration downgraded the number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 and new travel orders make quarantine a necessity for those traveling to the Commonwealth. Considering all these developments, it is with disappointment that we must announce the postponement of our October Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 until 2021.
To the Class of 2020: while we must push back your ceremony again, the entire University is determined to honor you and your hard work on campus as soon as it is safe to do so. You finished your UMassD career under difficult circumstances, and you did so with grace, creativity, and passion. We commend you and look forward to a time when we can all celebrate together.
For those that ordered them, you should have already received your caps, gowns, and diploma covers in the mail. If you did not order these items, they will be available for pick up at the in-person Commencement event alongside stoles that represent colleges and student organizations.
We will be in touch in early 2021 with a new plan for an on-campus celebration. Thank you for your patience. This pandemic requires that we remain vigilant to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We will get through this together.