Class of 2020 Commencement Update

UPDATE as of Oct. 19: Commencement for the Class of 2021 has been rescheduled for May 14-15 (format to be determined). Plans for the Class of 2020 are also to be determined.

Dear Class of 2020,

We hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. As you can imagine, RIT is working diligently to move forward this fall semester with an educational experience that includes a mix of in-person, blended, and online course offerings. We invite you to review our fall plans at our dedicated RIT Ready website.

Despite our best intentions, we will not be able to host an in-person commencement ceremony for our recent graduates this coming fall. Due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would not be safe to bring such a large gathering back to campus. Visits to campus will have limitations. Please know that we share your disappointment in this delay for you and your guests. We celebrated the Class of 2020 with a virtual conferring of degrees on May 8 to recognize your amazing accomplishments. But let us assure you that in no way was this intended to replace a traditional in-person commencement.

Convocation and commencement ceremonies will be held May 7-8 for the Class of 2021. Our current plan is to host you — the Class of 2020 — at a separate ceremony at a date to be determined that would follow May 7-8. We will contact you when we make that determination for your planning purposes.

In the meantime, our Office of Alumni Relations stands ready to assist you and will be offering a variety of online programs throughout the academic year including a virtual Tiger Alumni Week taking place Oct. 19-24. Be sure to stay connected with the university as well as our Alumni Relations staff at rit.edu/alumni or on your preferred social media channels.

We are especially proud of this graduating class with all you have endured in recent months. Cherish the challenges you have overcome, the goals you have reached, the lifelong friendships you have made, and the diplomas you have earned.

Yours in Tiger Pride,

David Munson
President

Ellen Granberg
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs