IUP Family,
We know that many of you are concerned about the status of our May commencement ceremonies.
Recognizing the need to stay safe and the uncertain status of the coronavirus pandemic, we are postponing May commencement, including all university-wide, college, and departmental ceremonies, and will offer graduates the chance to participate in an on-campus commencement during the fall 2020 semester. Please be assured that eligible students will still receive their degrees as scheduled, regardless of when an in-person commencement ceremony takes place. We will recognize May graduates online, but there will not be an in-person or virtual May event.
While no one can predict the future, and understanding that we will continue to follow any national guidelines related to the pandemic, we do want to offer an opportunity for participation in an on-campus commencement for our May and August graduates. We are contacting our graduates and their families with options for a ceremony in September or participation in fall commencement ceremonies scheduled December 11 and 12. As we get responses from them, we will make another announcement detailing our plans.
We know this change is upsetting and disappointing, and we sincerely regret that some of our May graduates may not be able to participate in an on-campus ceremony. Commencement is one of the high points for our university, but this necessary postponement does not lessen our pride in our graduates and our appreciation to all of you who have worked hard to help our students get to this important milestone. Thank you. I continue to be exceptionally proud of how the IUP community is persevering in these unprecedented times.
Michael Driscoll
President