President Kaplan Announces Plans for Virtual, In-Person Commencements
In an email to students set to graduate next month, President Steven Kaplan said the University is committed to holding an in-person Commencement when it is safe. In the meantime, the University is moving forward with plans to hold a virtual celebration in late May or early June.
April 24, 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
About a month ago, I wrote to you to inform you that the University’s Spring Commencement ceremonies would be postponed. In that email, I promised you I would do everything in my power to ensure you are able to take part in a fitting celebration of your time as University of New Haven students.
Due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus global pandemic and local and federal health mandates that remain in place, we are still in a holding pattern in terms of being able to plan a date for in-person ceremonies that are able to accommodate 4,000 graduates, faculty, staff, and guests. We will hold an in-person ceremony when it is safe. In addition to the in-person ceremony, we are also moving forward with plans to hold a virtual celebration in late May or early June.
In order to make the virtual commemoration an experience that you and your families won’t soon forget, we need your support. Details about how you can participate in this virtual commemoration will be shared with you in the near future.
On behalf of your professors, I would like to thank you for your hard work and commitment, particularly over the last six weeks. You have responded with great dignity and class to the disappointment of the conclusion of your academic career being impacted in a way none of us could have ever imagined.
Please know how much I appreciate and admire your resolve and determination. As difficult as it may be to realize at this time, I am confident that the skills you learned and the mindset you developed as you navigated this unprecedented situation will serve you well throughout your life.
I look forward to celebrating you and your limitless potential to make an impact on the world.
