UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz released a statement Friday informing the Carolina community that Spring Commencement for seniors will be postponed.
This news follows numerous event cancellations, the university’s indefinite shift to remote instruction, the cancellation of spring and summer study abroad programs and the closure of residence halls.
In light of CDC recommendations for social distancing measures over the course of the next few months, Guskiewicz said the university feels it is in the public’s best interest to postpone both the doctoral hooding ceremony on May 9 and the ceremony in Kenan Stadium on May 10.
In his statement, Guskiewicz acknowledged the disappointment that is sure to follow the ceremonies’ postponement.
“I know that our undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students have looked forward to this day for a long time,” Guskiewicz said. “Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work from not just students, but their families and other loved ones. As the parent of a graduating senior, this also impacts my family and me on a very personal level.”
Guskiewicz said protecting the health, safety and well-being of the campus community and surrounding region is UNC’s first priority.
“I hope that you all are taking every precaution to protect the health of yourself and those around you,” Guskiewicz said. “These are unprecedented times, but I have faith that our community will persevere and emerge stronger than ever.”
While I am disappointed that #UNC must postpone spring Commencement, I am committed to celebrating the accomplishments of our many talented graduating students later this year. We will be seeking input from those Tar Heels shortly. #UNCgrad https://t.co/LtqAuFvHId
— Kevin Guskiewicz (@KevinGuskiewicz) March 20, 2020
In the coming days, a survey will be sent out to all members of the Class of 2020 to ask their opinions about alternative dates and other options for their commencement. Guskiewicz said opinions obtained from the survey will guide and inform the university’s decisions moving froward.
In a later release, the university revealed it will be making an emergency grading accommodation regarding grades for spring semester courses. Beginning March 23, UNC will expand its pass/fail grade option to undergraduate students, meaning they can election the pass/fail option instead of a letter grade. By choosing that options, students’ grade point averages would not be affected by the grade of a course.
UNC said it made the change in consultation with its deans, registrar and the Faculty Executive Committee. Students enrolled in professional schools or programs in the Graduate School will follow the decision of their schools about which courses are eligible for the pass/fail option, which will be determined no later than March 27.
To learn more about the emergency grading accommodation, you can visit the university’s website.
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