University of Montana Graduation Ceremonies Officially Cancelled

To no one's surprise, but of course to so many's disappointment, the word officially came down this morning (Friday).

As the worldwide coronavirus pandemic continues, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education has canceled all in-person spring commencement ceremonies in the Montana University System.

Following this directive, the University of Montana will not host its traditional in-person graduation ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, May 9. “We as a University share in the disappointment of our graduates and their families,” UM President Seth Bodnar said. “Commencement is a special day to celebrate the culmination of academic and personal achievements and is a hallowed occasion on our campus, marked by our students, faculty and staff.”

Bodnar said UM is developing options to help graduates and their families “celebrate now and later in Grizzly style.” Graduates will be surveyed for their input and ideas about how to make up for missing this treasured rite of passage. Some proposed plans are:

>Commemorating May 9 with a video highlighting students and the people, places and programs that UM special.

>Inviting spring graduates and their families back to campus in September or October for an in-person Commencement.

>Bringing Commencement to graduates by hosting ceremonies in population centers like Seattle, Portland and Spokane, as well as smaller towns such as Havre and Browning. These smaller ceremonies would take place in late summer or early fall.

Students  who already rented graduation regalia will receive full refunds. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on each student’s graduation application.

On a personal note, my coworker Peter Christian and I have had the honor to announce the names of the grads as they came up on stage to receive their diplomas. We will miss you all this year, grads. Congratualtions and we will be standing by for any and all future ceremonies.