To Our UMBC Class of 2020,

Whether you are a graduating senior or completing a master’s degree or Ph.D., please know we recognize how hard you’ve worked to achieve your goals. We are incredibly sorry that we will not be holding in-person Commencement ceremonies this spring. We know this is enormously disappointing to you and everyone who has supported you, and we regret that we will not be able to celebrate your accomplishments in the traditional way this May.

In the days ahead, we will be working with students and our shared governance groups on plans for celebrating Commencement for students who are scheduled to graduate in May. In the meantime, we would like to clarify a few important points. Even without in-person Commencement ceremonies this May, students will earn their degrees and be able to graduate this semester, consistent with academic standards. We still fully expect to mail your diplomas out in mid-July as is our normal practice. And UMBC’s Career Center will continue to provide services through alternate formats; please see their website for further information to help with your next steps as Retriever alumni.

You are such a special class – our 50th to graduate from UMBC – and you deserve the chance to celebrate the grit and excellent work that got you to this point. We are so proud of all you have achieved. Please know that we will find a way to honor you and your classmates as a community when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to continue the important work of our community of inquiring minds.

Visit commencement.umbc.edu for updates as they become available.

Please share your questions and ideas about Commencement at commencement@umbc.edu.

President Freeman Hrabowski