2020 Commencement Information

March 18: Second Update on Commencement Plans

Dear students, faculty, and staff:

Earlier today Robert Morris University announced the unfortunate news that the Commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 8-9 would have to be postponed as a result of efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19.) 

Please note that the virtual commencement ceremony we have planned will be in addition to a rescheduled in-person Commencement ceremony and will be completely voluntary. We know that some graduates may not be able to attend a rescheduled ceremony and we want to celebrate their achievements nonetheless. 

As a result of feedback from students, we plan to hold the rescheduled, in-person Commencement ceremony during the Fall 2020 semester. 

We are still working through the details for students who wish to return their cap and gowns. 

As more information is available it will be posted to rmu.edu/commencement and rmu.edu/coronavirus.

Regards,

Dr. Christopher B. Howard
President

March 18: Important Commencement Update

Dear students, faculty, and staff:

Robert Morris University continues to join organizations and communities around the globe in taking measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, this is an unprecedented situation that changes daily.

Therefore, the university has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the on-ground Commencement ceremonies scheduled to take place May 8-9, 2020. I am very sorry this has to happen, and I can only imagine what a disappointment this must be to our graduating seniors and those preparing to complete master’s and doctoral degrees.

Please know, however, that we will find ways to mark this momentous occasion, for which you continue to work so hard under the most adverse of circumstances. Although details have not been finalized, we intend to celebrate with you in the following ways:

• We will conduct a virtual Commencement ceremony that will be live streamed and will recognize every graduate who so chooses.
• We will mail a souvenir program book to all graduates.
• Undergraduate Honors medallions as well as other honorary cords and sashes will be mailed to each student who has earned those distinctions. 
• We will provide an opportunity for students to participate in a future traditional Commencement ceremony, in person. We have yet to determine whether this will be a separate event, or whether we will extend to members of the Class of 2020 the invitation to participate in a special way at the May 2021 Commencement ceremonies.

I apologize that we are not yet able to provide as much information as you would like, or to answer all your questions today. We did, however, want to let you know as soon as possible that this year’s traditional Commencement ceremonies cannot take place.

The Office of Academic Affairs will provide future updates via email regarding Commencement, including procedures for students who wish to return their caps and gowns. We will also post updates to rmu.edu/commencement as well as rmu.edu/coronavirus.

Once again, I thank you for your patience and the support that you have provided one another.

Regards,

Dr. Christopher B. Howard
President