CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

APRIL 3, 2020

Commencement 2020 Update 

Since the onset of COVID-19, we have been monitoring the situation and holding off on making changes to our Commencement Ceremony, given that it occurs later than many colleges in the U.S., in hopes of improved conditions.  However, recent data suggest that it is not likely that we will be in a position to host this size of a public in-person gathering by the end of May, 2020.  Therefore, after careful deliberation and review of recent survey results collected from almost the entire senior class, we have decided to postpone (not cancel) the in-person ceremony until it is safe to do so at a date yet to be determined.  In the meantime, informed by recent student and faculty input, we are beginning to plan a virtual event to mark this milestone on the original date of Commencement (May 30, 2020).  We are currently working through logistics to ensure you will receive your diplomas on or near that date, and will share details about that soon.

To the class of 2020, I know this is incredibly disappointing news on top of the already significant disruption to your lives, separation from your friends and the pressure of adjusting to a new learning environment.  However, as always I am very proud of the maturity, spirit of cooperation and can-do attitude that you are exhibiting as a class.  I very much look forward to the day when we can gather together to celebrate your academic accomplishments as well as the beginning of the next stages of your lives, and do so in person.  Rose-Hulman has a long and storied tradition of celebrating this pinnacle of accomplishment in our students’ academic careers and we fully intend to do everything in our power to ensure that this tradition, including the march down the hill,  is continued for the class of 2020.

I have asked a small group of faculty, staff and students to immediately begin planning for the virtual event on May 30th.  This group will be taking the input from the recent senior survey into account as they plan for this event. We’ll continue to share updates as we have more details. In the meantime, stay focused and stay well!

President Coons 

Launch Root Quad
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