14
October
2020
|
14:46 PM
America/Chicago

Message from the Provost: UHD Commencement

Fellow Gators,

I hope this message finds you well.

As President Tillis has recently communicated, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) will continue operating in Step 2 - Orange through the remainder of the fall semester. UHD is currently acting in accordance with recommendations and directions from public health officials, the UH System, and the Office of the Texas Governor to ensure the safety of our community.

With mid-terms quickly approaching, graduation is just around the corner. Given the state of public health, UHD plans to hold Fall 2020 Commencement virtually on Saturday, Dec. 19 to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and guests. This event will celebrate the academic achievements of Fall 2020 graduates, as well as our Gator grads from spring and summer semesters.

This decision was not made lightly. I understand that a virtual ceremony will impact each of our graduates in different ways. I, along with President Tillis, share the disappointment that many will feel. It was unfortunate that the pandemic prevented us from holding a traditional commencement exercise in May, and it is equally regrettable that we will not be able to gather in person together in recognition of our many outstanding graduates in December. However, we are first and foremost committed to your health and well-being. Additionally, we do not want to inadvertently spread the virus to any graduates or their family and friends.

That said, we are planning for a memorable virtual ceremony that we can all participate in and be proud of. We may be at a distance from each other, but we will come together through technology this December for an event that will allow us all to recognize our graduates’ outstanding accomplishments.

Additionally, UHD will waive the graduation fee for summer and fall graduates, and those who have already paid the graduation fee will receive a refund. The Graduation Fee for Spring 2020 graduates was already waived earlier this year.

More information about the virtual ceremony will be forthcoming from the Registrar’s Office. For now, please save the date and we look forward to celebrating this class virtually on Saturday, Dec. 19. Until then, let’s continue to support one another and finish this semester strong.

Dr. Eric Carl Link
Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs and Provost