PSU to develop plans for an in-person commencement for the Class of 2020

First of all, I want to express my gratitude for almost 1,000 signatures and more than 399 shares on this petition! Secondly, I want to send out an update that PSU has committed to holding an in-person commencement for the Class of 2020 (article attached below) once the current health crisis allows!

This is in response to feedback and scrutiny that the University and the Student Government received from multiple sources, including news articles (https://thepacificsentinel.com/virtual-commencement-blues/ A newsletter from the Student Government directly references, "multiple petitions (collecting thousands of signatures)" demanding the university to reconsider their decision. Shortly after, the Student Government met with Natali Pardo, in charge of commencement, to discuss solutions. 

This tremendous progress would not have been possible without your support and shows the power of coming together for a cause. This is just as much a victory for the Class of 2020 as it is for everybody involved, as we recognize that graduation is as much for family members and loved ones as it is for the graduates.

There will still be an optional, virtual commencement hosted on June 14th at 11am. Links to each school's ceremony will become accessible through the pdx.edu/commencement website. PSU ensures that attending will not negatively impact the ability to attend an in-person commencement in the future. 

Despite this incredible advancement, words and plans are not sufficient. I will send another update once official dates have been established and only then will we declare victory.

Thank you all again for supporting this cause -- the Class of 2020 would not have been able to progress this far without your support!

Sincerely,

Noemi Martinez-Gonzalez, PSU Class of 2020