Due to circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic, the university’s in-person commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 17, 2020, will not be held as originally planned.
President Barbara R. Snyder and Provost Ben Vinson III shared this information in an April 9 message to students.
Commencement is an important milestone and a joyous occasion, and university leaders have been working diligently to coordinate alternative options for celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating students. In lieu of our traditional commencement ceremonies, Case Western Reserve University will hold a virtual commencement celebration online on Sunday, May 17. Additionally, the university will offer additional options for in-person commencement activities during homecoming weekend, Oct. 8-11.
Virtual Ceremony – May 17
The virtual ceremony will consist of video messages from university leaders and commencement speakers, along with official degree conferral and personalized recognition for graduates. Marching Order, an outside vendor, has been contracted to create personalized graduate slides for the virtual ceremonies. These individual slides can be downloaded and shared on social media (#CWRUGrad2020) so that graduates can remotely share this moment with family and friends.
Graduates who wish to participate should follow the instructions provided in an email from Marching Order inviting them to “Create Your Graduation Slide.” The deadline to submit information to Marching Order is May 1.
These virtual commencement videos will be posted online on May 17 for viewing. Specific viewing instructions and other details will be posted on the commencement website. Participation in the university’s virtual commencement ceremonies (by submitting information for a personalized slide, or by viewing online) is optional.
Additional information
Students who have additional questions about commencement eligibility should contact the commencement coordinator for their school.
Information about receiving May 2020 diplomas is available on the University Registrar’s website.
Though the University Bookstore is currently closed, interested students can still purchase academic regalia (cap and gown) online directly from the vendor, Oak Hall. Academic regalia is not required for the virtual ceremonies planned for May 17.
Details for the in-person commencement activities during homecoming weekend have not yet been finalized. Watch for future updates in The Daily.