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In an email to students set to graduate in May, President Steven Kaplan said the University has every intention of holding its traditional Commencement ceremonies on a to-be-determined date in the future and that he looks forward to presiding over a celebration of graduating students’ academic success and personal growth that they “so richly deserve.”

March 20, 2020

Dear Members of the Class of 2020,

I am writing to inform you that, in light of the unprecedented situation we are facing due to COVID-19, I have made the difficult decision to postpone the University’s spring Commencement ceremonies that were scheduled for Sunday, May 17.

Let me be clear that we are not cancelling the Commencement exercises. We have every intention of holding our traditional Commencement ceremonies at the Oakdale Theatre on a to-be-determined date in the future. Ultimately, though, I believe that postponing the ceremony is the most prudent step to take at this time. Moreover, we will not delay the conferring of degrees on those who have completed their degree requirements in May. By not delaying the conferral of degrees we will keep those graduating students on track with their personal and professional plans.

In the coming weeks, I will be speaking with student leaders in the Undergraduate Student Government Association, the Graduate Student Council, and the executive board of the Class of 2020. I am looking forward to hearing creative recommendations from them about how best to recognize and celebrate this milestone.

I certainly understand that it is distressing to learn that an event you have looked forward to for so long is being postponed. I hope you take solace, though, in my promise to you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are able to take part in a fitting culmination of your time as University of New Haven students that recognizes all you have accomplished and all you are sure to achieve.

I offer you my best wishes as you complete your final semester, and I look forward to the day when I can preside over a celebration of your academic success and personal growth that you so richly deserve.

With best wishes,

Steven H Kaplan, Ph.D.
President