Update on Commencement

Dear RWU community,

I am so sad to share that we will not be able to have Commencement in August under the current state guidelines.

While the Rhode Island Governor and Department of Health are beginning a slow, phased reopening of the state economy this week, their plans related to events will not allow any group meetings or events of over 100 people to occur in the state this summer. This includes Bristol's 4th of July Parade, the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, and cancelling weddings and other large events, including our Commencement ceremonies. There is just not a way we can see it being possible or being approved.

We know how much our seniors wish to have an on-campus ceremony, and they deserve to have this time-honored tradition marked with a special event. We are working earnestly now to consider our Plan B and have started conversations with staff and faculty to have a proper event near the one-year anniversary in May 2021.

I wanted to share this news with the campus community as soon as we made the decision. We will provide an update later this year on planning for a Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Sincerely,
Yannis