From: OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
Sent: Friday, February 5, 2021 2:24 PM
Subject: Spring Commencement Plans

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

Dear CUNY community,

The past few months have tested our nation’s resolve, but our CUNY community continues to move forward and meet the challenges of each day. As we begin our mostly online Spring and plan for a more in-person Fall 2021, I wanted to let you know that in the interest of public health and well-being, commencement ceremonies for those graduating this Spring are going to be conducted virtually.     

As I said last year when health conditions likewise demanded this action, it is a heart-wrenching decision to have to make. Commencement is my favorite time of the academic year, and I know it is also the highlight of the year for the faculty, staff, families and friends who work hard to support our students as they strive to realize their full potential and meet their academic goals.

But with large public gatherings still posing a threat to our efforts to eradicate the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it simply wouldn’t be prudent to plan for in-person celebrations.

As was the case in Spring and Fall 2020, this will have no impact on diplomas. At the completion of this semester, all degrees will be conferred as scheduled. Neither will it impact the official summer start date for our full-time faculty. 

I continue to regret the impact of these sad circumstances on our students, who have worked so hard, and overcome many obstacles to get to this point, and to their friends and families as well. 

Our CUNY presidents and deans will build upon last year’s positive experience conducting virtual commencement ceremonies, and will work hard to provide each of our campus communities with an experience that is worthy of the very meaningful milestone it represents. 

Sincerely,

Felo