To whom it may concern,

The graduating class of 2021 at the University of Colorado Boulder has been impacted by the pandemic in ways that’s drastically altered our college experience. From missed game days to nearly a year of online classes, the only motivating factor was the thought of an in person graduation, to get the recognition we deserve.

We are writing to the CU Administration to kindly request a reconsideration on the decision to hold a remote Spring 2021 commencement ceremony. We understand the greater risk to the community with increased travel, which is why we believe there is a way to meet our requests while prioritizing safety. We feel that this decision was made prematurely.

We believe the in person Spring 2021 graduation ceremony is realistic as the pandemic status will be drastically changing over the next 5 months with the release of vaccines and approaching summer months. For example, the ceremony could be live streamed so friends and family could attend but in person for graduates of the specific programs. Similarly, the graduations could be limited to schools or even majors, with mask requirements and social distancing as needed. We are willing to work with the Administration to compromise and create a graduation experience we can all positively look back on.

With this, we urge the CU administration to reevaluate their decision on graduation and to provide the class of 2021 with the in person acknowledgement that is deserved.

Kindly,

The CU Boulder Class of 2021