Dear Faculty and Staff,
We are pleased to share that we are planning to celebrate commencement for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 with a hybrid drive-thru and virtual ceremony on
the weekend of May 15 - 16 for the Class of 2020; and
the weekend of May 22 - 23, for the Class of 2021.
After careful consideration of current public health guidance, the Commencement Logistics Committee thinks the best format for this important celebration is a hybrid drive-thru ceremony. While current Sonoma County public health data indicates that large in-person gatherings such as commencement will not yet be feasible by May, a hybrid drive-thru format will provide more of a community feel than a solely virtual format.
Each graduate will have the option to attend in person in a vehicle accompanied by family and friends. Graduates are encouraged to display their excitement by decorating their vehicles as they would their cap. Graduates participating in the drive-thru ceremony will have the opportunity to exit their car to walk across the stage wearing regalia to receive their diploma cover and a commemorative program. Graduates who cannot attend the ceremony in person will be able to participate by viewing the livestream and engaging in a virtual component.
We will communicate further details in the coming weeks. We encourage students to continue to check the commencement webpage for additional information.
Sincerely,
Mario A. Perez, Ed.D., Vice President for University Advancement
Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee
Caroline Neyman, Operations Director, Green Music Center
Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee