The University of Rhode Island made the difficult decision last week not to hold in-person commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 16 and May 17, 2020, given the continuing guidance about social distancing and group gatherings related to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Following that decision, the University sent a survey to all graduate and undergraduate students to collect feedback regarding how the University can celebrate and recognize students’ accomplishments through alternative commencement celebrations.

The overwhelming response to this request was to hold in-person ceremonies at a future date, providing graduates with the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate with friends.

Sixty-seven percent of the students responded that they would prefer to hold in-person Commencement Weekend events in fall 2020, while about 6 percent indicated a preference for a virtual commencement ceremony. Twenty-seven percent voted for a combination of virtual and in-person ceremonies.

Among the total 2,453 students who completed the survey, nearly 83 percent said they planned to participate in Commencement Weekend 2020. Ninety percent of the respondents were undergraduate students.

We heard you! As events unfold we will continue to reach out to our community, and provide updates on the timing and details of how and when we can honor our graduates.

Thank you for your support, patience, and care for each other, Rhody Family!