"Please know this was not an easy decision for us – but we are committed to creating an event that honors our graduates and celebrates their tremendous accomplishments." — Chancellor Venkat Reddy

Dear members of the UCCS community,

2020 has not been the year any of us planned. We have had to learn to navigate a different world than we are used to. During this extraordinary time, UCCS has remained committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

While the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff remains paramount, our commitment to the health of our community has resulted in some very difficult decisions. It is with great regret that we are announcing the cancellation of our in-person Commencement ceremony on December 18, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Students planning to graduate this fall should watch for an email next week with more information.

I know this is a disappointment to many, especially our graduates and their families. Our graduates have dedicated years to earning their degrees, and we were all looking forward to recognizing their accomplishments together with friends, family and the UCCS community.

Unfortunately, an in-person Commencement celebrating our summer and fall graduates is not feasible given continuing limits on social gatherings. However, all of our 2020 graduates are welcome to walk in the Spring 2021 ceremony, and we will reach out to them early in the new year with an invitation to participate.

I have always looked forward to Commencement day. It is the culmination of all the hard work of our students, faculty and staff over years. Celebrating Commencement with our graduates represents the start of a new chapter in their lives. We made this decision with heavy hearts. But in evaluating what is best for the health of students, families and our communities, not only for our campus but all campuses in the University of Colorado System, it is the right decision.

Similar to our celebration for spring 2020 graduates, a virtual Commencement ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., December 18, 2020. Additional information, including viewing links, will be distributed closer to the ceremony. Graduates will receive diploma jackets and other materials by mail.

Please know this was not an easy decision for us – but we are committed to creating an event that honors our graduates and celebrates their tremendous accomplishments. Please make sure to visit commencement.uccs.edu for additional information on logistics for this semester’s ceremony.

Respectfully, 

Venkat Reddy
UCCS Chancellor