As of Friday evening, the weather forecast for Saturday morning and early afternoon indicates the potential for scattered thunderstorms, including the possibility of wind gusts and even small hail.  Given the potential for severe weather conditions, tomorrow’s ceremony will be held indoors at the McCann Arena.   

We have made this decision not only for the safety of our campus community, but also out of respect for the Class of 2020, whose members have waited two years for the opportunity to have a full and complete in-person graduation ceremony.  Were we to proceed with an outdoor event, the occurrence of hail, or a lightning strike within ten miles of campus, would cause us to immediately end the ceremony, robbing you of a Commencement experience for the second time in as many years.  Your ability to graduate together as a class is too important for us to take this chance. 

In making this announcement now it is our hope that you, your families, and friends will have adequate time to make arrangements and any necessary adjustments ahead of Saturday's ceremony.  Attached to your lineup card are three (3) severe weather tickets, which are required for guests to gain access to McCann Arena.  That said, we would love to accommodate as many guests as wish to attend.  Please note that these tickets ARE transferrable, and we encourage graduates who will not utilize any or all their tickets to provide them to other members of the class.  Ticket holders may enter McCann between 8:30 and 10:15 a.m.  

For those who do not have tickets, we encourage you to watch the ceremony via livestream, which will be broadcast in several locations around campus, including the Lowell Thomas Center, Donnelly Hall, and the Murray Student Center.  Further information about remote viewing options and other Commencement-related information is available here and on the Guidebook app. 

Graduates planning to pick up their line-up card or regalia on Saturday may do so beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the McCann Center (please bring photo ID). Graduates will line-up at 9:45 a.m. in the McCann Center Recreation Gym ahead of the 10:30 a.m. procession start.  Please allow adequate time for parking, as lots adjacent to the arena have limited space.

The post-commencement reception for graduates and families has been relocated from St. Peter’s Meadow to the Murray Student Center. Refreshments will be available in the Dining Hall, with additional seating available in the Cabaret, River Rooms, and throughout the building.  We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of your remarkable and resilient class, and honoring you with the full Commencement experience you so richly deserve.