Spring Convocation 2020 cancelled, a celebration to be held at later time

One of the greatest joys of my twelve years as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba has been meeting the graduating students — our future alumni — as they cross the stage at Convocation to accept their degrees and diplomas.

This spring, because of the extraordinary events that have befallen the world, we will not be able to offer the opportunity to our graduands to participate in the splendour and celebration of Spring Convocation. All of us who work daily and enthusiastically to support student success – administrators, support staff, alumni, and of course, faculty – regret the need for this course of action. However, we all know, and you will understand, that it is in our collective best interest to make this difficult decision.

Regrettably, Spring Convocation 2020 is cancelled.

As the University has made arrangements to complete the academic term, it is expected that students will graduate from their programs as planned. What I can assure graduating students is that your University of Manitoba community of supporters is already at work exploring creative options for you. At the appropriate time in the future, you will be able to fully celebrate your amazing academic successes with all the pomp and circumstance that is due you.

As I shared in my recent message to our community, we all have before us a huge challenge, as we respond and accommodate to the COVID -19 crisis. Not just our academic paths, but our entire lives have been affected. Focus on that now. We’ll support you as much as possible. And when the time comes, you’ll have the opportunity to Convocate as part of the graduating class of 2020.