If you are reading this petition we ask you to speak up about the University of Delaware’s Class of 2020 graduation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities across the country to make difficult decisions about the Class of 2020’s graduation. Before the University of Delaware makes any decision that forever impacts our lives, the Class of 2020 would like to express our hope that they hear our voice on graduation.

If our graduation ceremony scheduled for May 30th must be cancelled, we the class of 2020, respectfully ask the University to postpone our graduation until late summer/early fall when the threat of the coronavirus has passed. 

We understand and sympathize with the incredibly challenging position our school administrators have been placed in. We know they have a difficult decision to make and hope to serve our best interests.  

However, we want them to know that anything other than an in-person ceremony does not honor the academic, personal and financial investment we have made in the past 4 years of our lives. Graduating from college is a momentous and once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Walking in our 2020 ceremony is a rite-of-passage we can not duplicate, nor get back. 

The class of 2020 has endured unprecedented disruption and loss. Postponing our ceremony allows us to have the graduation we have spent years preparing for.

All universities are faced with the same choices and we want UD to consider our point of view. We want to walk!

This petition will be sent to UD’s president and Deans across the University. Please sign this petition so that the University can hear our united voice.