4/22/20 - Commencement Update

Dear Graduates:

I hope this email finds you all well and safe.  I would like to provide an update regarding your Commencement ceremony. I would first like to thank your SBA Board for keeping us connected and ensuring that we understand your preferences, so Southwestern can honor your requests during these uncertain times.

I also want to thank the many of you who completed the SBA survey. The results indicated that the overwhelming preference is for a delayed, in-person ceremony, and this was exciting news for us.  Southwestern is committed to making this happen for all of you. There are still many details that will have to be worked out based on the guidance from public health entities. The ceremony date, event format, and attendance capacity are a few of the details we will have to determine at a later date. 

What we know now:

  • Our goal is to distribute Commencement regalia to graduates, soon after it is delivered to Southwestern. Delivery dates are uncertain at this time, but stay tuned.  Graduates will hold on to the regalia until our ceremony takes place. There is no additional cost for the rentals. Distribution details are not yet determined, but please be assured that distribution will be consistent with social distancing guidelines at the time.
  • Stoles will also be distributed to graduates soon after the shipment arrives at Southwestern. No arrival dates estimated as yet.
  • Southwestern will Livestream the Commencement ceremony as has been done in previous years.
  • The timing of the in-person ceremony will be determined with an eye to the timing of the Bar exam.

You will receive updates as they become available.

Please know that this celebration is a culmination of your many years of education, not just law school.  It is an event that faculty and staff look forward to every year. You all have worked tirelessly and deserve to be recognized, and we will continue to work so we can see you all walk across the stage!

Be well.

Marcie Canal
Associate Dean of Operations and Risk Management
Administrative Services

Share: