In March 2020, the community was struck with the Coronavirus pandemic and the class of 2020 was required to complete classes virtually and all commencement and convocation ceremonies were canceled for the class of 2020, as per required by emergency covid protocols.  Many students were unable to say goodbye to our friends and professors and were left with a feeling of incompleteness to our academic endeavors.  Students were hopeful that A Convocation ceremony would be postponed and eventually held for the class of 2020.  To date, this has not occurred.  Many schools around the country have had celebrations for their classes of 2020.  

With Graduation season upon us, it has generated feelings of lack of closure and resentment for many 2020 graduates who did not receive a Convocation ceremony.  Convocation is the pinnacle of higher education that we believe is integral to celebrating the achievement of the many students in the class of 2020, and an In Person Convocation Ceremony would allow the graduating class of 2020 to finally get closure, and the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with peers, family and friends.

We are asking The School of Social Work to help celebrate the class of 2020’s achievements with an In person Convocation Ceremony, whether this would be with another graduating class or in a separate ceremony.  All School of Social Work Students deserve the opportunity to celebrate their many accomplishments and we believe that this is a significant part of moving forward and allowing for closure and reflection of our academic achievements.