Ongoing Commencement planning

Dear Graduate,

As we continue our collective efforts to safeguard our campus and wider communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us would like established certainty around the final shape and form of our Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies.

At this time however, current and near-term circumstances around public health are dynamic and require careful consideration. As such, our physician-led COVID Response Team is partnering with our Division of Student Affairs in order to review options for marking our Spring 2021 Commencement, relying on the expertise of our nationally-recognized Academic Health Center specialists and the latest data and science. The Commencement team is working with university leaders on a plan for an on-campus ceremony for graduates. And based on recently updated guidance from the State of Ohio and our own health experts, we are also exploring hosting a limited number of guests. 

Since early last year, our physician-led efforts have consistently emphasized a step-wise approach to planning related to academics, housing, dining and more. That same step-wise approach will be used in considering and planning for Commencement 2021. A future update will be forwarded to you as well as posted on the Commencement website. In the meantime, we ask that you continue to keep the dates of April 29th and April 30th available as specific ceremonial times will be published in the upcoming weeks.

In closing, please be assured that the importance of graduation, the special meaning it holds as a milestone of hard-earned achievement and success, is only amplified as we cap this unprecedented academic year. It is my hope that the justified pride you and your families feel as we approach the culmination of the 2020-21 academic year remain with you wherever your future endeavors take you. 

My Bearcat Best,

Debra Spotts Merchant 
Vice President for Student Affairs