April 2, 2020 - UMSL to postpone spring commencement until December
Dear University Community,
After much consultation, we have made the heart-wrenching decision to postpone spring commencement ceremonies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Instead, we are planning to celebrate our spring graduates in person this December in concert with our fall commencement ceremonies.
This decision aligns with directives from St. Louis County on communal events and our shared priority to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our university community during this public health crisis.
Of all the decisions we have had to make in these past weeks, this decision has been one of the hardest to accept. Commencement is our university’s most sacred tradition and is one of my most treasured responsibilities as your interim chancellor and provost.
To our Class of 2020, I know that commencement represents the culmination of tremendous work and sacrifice to earn your degree. I know that this decision is very upsetting – for not only you, but also your families and loved ones. It’s upsetting for us as well. Your professors, advisors, academic coaches and so many more have supported your success here at UMSL. We will continue to support your success. You have all worked diligently to reach this milestone and that is why we are committed to celebrating your achievements in person once it is safe to bring us together again.
Our standing Commencement Committee, co-chaired by Vice Provost for Student Affairs Curt Coonrod and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Marie Mora, will begin planning to celebrate your commencement – together and as a Triton family – in December. Rest assured that the future commencement celebrations for the Class of 2020 will reflect the indelible mark that this class has left on UMSL. We will communicate details as we move forward so that you and your families can make plans.
Thank you for your continued understanding as we all respond to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Please take care of yourselves and others during this time.
Be safe,
Kristin Sobolik
