Message from Alfred University president Mark Zupan-
Dear Alfred University alumni, parents,
and friends,
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected our Alfred University community in many ways over the last few weeks. As part of our efforts to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community, we have had to make numerous difficult decisions. We have canceled important on-campus events, University-sponsored travel off campus, and student athletes’ participation in spring intercollegiate sporting events; suspended in-person classes and converted to online instruction; and implemented a work-from-home policy for most of our faculty and staff.
Throughout this difficult situation, we have remained hopeful that our main campus Spring 2020 Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, would be unaffected. Commencement, after all, is one of the most meaningful occasions for our students and their families. It is a culmination of our students’ efforts, a time to reflect on their hard work and achievements, and to celebrate the world of opportunity awaiting them.
Earlier this evening, in consultation with our Board of Trustees, we have made the decision to postpone our scheduled May 16 Commencement. We are targeting Saturday, December 19, as the revised Commencement date for the Class of 2020, making it possible for our December graduates to participate in the ceremony as well. All students who earn their degrees in May will have the option of receiving their diplomas in the mail or to have them presented in person on December 19.
In the near future, revised instructions for submitting applications to graduate (which places students on the Commencement attendance list and ensures their names are included in the program) and for ordering Commencement regalia will be communicated to students and their families. Please stay tuned.
Our hearts go out to the members of our Class of 2020 and their families, and we share in their disappointment. But while the fear and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our University, it has not quelled our spirit. We look forward to December 19, when the Class of 2020 returns to our campus and we can share in their well-deserved and in-person celebration.
Fiat Lux!
Mark