------WE CAN WAIT------

HERE IS WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR:

---ROWAN UNIVERSITY TO HOLD AN ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION CEREMONY THE WEEK OF THE CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATION CEREMONY. (This would allow the University to use the same preparations and equipment that have already been set up for next year's commencement.)

OR

---ALTERNATIVELY ROWAN UNIVERSITY TO HOLD AN ADDITIONAL GRADUATION CEREMONY AT A LATER AND SAFER DATE OF THEIR CHOICE FOR THE 2020 GRADUATES.

This petition calls for Rowan University to re-evaluate their commencement ceremony plans - to ADD AN ADDITIONAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OPPORTUNITY AT A LATER DATE where it’s safe for multiple guests and students to celebrate their milestone achievements WITHOUT COVID-19 restrictions. Ideally, students are looking to celebrate their achievements during a period of normalcy as the Class of 2020 have endured so much during this pandemic and is owed a celebration where all loved ones are physically present, where our commencement isn’t rushed, and where we can all celebrate our achievements in a safe and comfortable manner. 

Plenty of other universities within the New Jersey area are waiting to present their in-person commencement plans until it’s safe to do so. 

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THE PROBLEM:

Rowan University will be holding a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 on July 14th & 15th.

Unfortunately, graduates who are immunocompromised, or who live with immunocompromised individuals must pass up the July 14th & 15th ceremonies as it’s deemed currently unsafe for their personal situations. 

Students also feel that the commencement planning was rushed for the Class of 2020, as the email sent only provided a 3 week notice in advance without additional clarification of times/specific dates for students (this information won’t be available until July 2nd, a little more than a week before the actual ceremony dates.)

Students are also limited to 2 guests each due to outside restrictions, which limits many students in bringing siblings/grandparents/other family members to be present on such an important day. 

Additionally, students/guests are expected to wear masks during the ceremony. No one wants to look back at their graduation memories and see themselves receiving their diploma in 90 degree weather with a mask on.

Class of 2020 students simply do not want to rush their graduation - we can wait!