Universities
Planning for Alternative Commencement Celebrations
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
UMaine
System announces that traditional
in-person commencement exercises are not possible during the pandemic, each
university will determine an appropriate alternative celebration
Orono,
Maine — University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy and the presidents
of Maine’s public universities announced today that traditional in-person
commencement exercises will not be possible at the end of the Spring Semester
because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In-person graduation ceremonies
across the System were scheduled on May 9 in the 2019-2020
Academic Calendar.
Campus
leaders will be reaching out to students, faculty, and staff to coordinate
planning of alternative commencement celebrations to mark the achievements of
learners graduating this spring. Plans are expected to be in place by the
middle of April.
“All
UMS universities and the Law School will be awarding degrees on schedule and
recognizing the academic achievements of our graduating students,” wrote
Chancellor Malloy in a message
to the University community.
“While traditional in-person commencement exercises are not possible during the
pandemic, each university will determine an appropriate alternative celebration
that balances the need to protect public health with the joyful recognition of
our students’ academic aspirations and achievements.”