View the Mitchell College 76th Commencement Ceremony
Let the World Know!
Grad Week June 22-26
Monday June 22-Grad Week Trivia Night | 8pm, Zoom Meeting ID 759 961 8076You’ll be able to sign-up groups online – link coming soon!
Tuesday June 23-Transformation Tuesday (#transformationtuesday) Tag @mccampuslife on Instagram and “Mitchell College Campus Life” on Facebook.-Yoga with Jen Welsh | 7pm, Zoom Meeting ID 759 961 8076-Advisors Night | 8pm Zoom Meeting ID 759 961 8076
Wednesday June 24-Palm Reading with Sherri | 8pm Zoom Meeting ID 759 961 8076
Thursday June 25-Throwback Thursday (#TBT) Share a throwback memory of a time at Mitchell. Sports, events, clubs, friendships, etc. Tag @mccampuslife on Instagram and “Mitchell College Campus Life” on Facebook.-Decorate Graduation Caps | 8pm, Zoom Room ID 759 961 8076
Friday June 26-Senior Toast | 7:30pm Zoom Meeting ID 759 961 8076While we encourage participation throughout the week, we highly encourage seniors to attend this evening to hear from various faculty, staff and classmates to reflect on your time at Mitchell as well as next steps.
- Senior Week Care Package!
- Commencement Package!
Q&A | All about the 2020 Virtual Commencement!
Will students receive caps and gowns?
For graduates who communicated to us via the grad survey early this spring that they would be attending the originally scheduled in-person ceremony, your caps and gowns have been ordered for you by the College, and have been mailed to your home.
For graduates who communicated to us via the grad survey that they would NOT be attending the originally scheduled in-person ceremony, the College did not order you a cap or gown. Options may be available for you to purchase a similar cap and gown at amazon.com or other sites. The Mitchell College caps, gowns and tassels are black.
When will students receive their diplomas?
Diplomas have been mailed to students’ homes.
If we are having a virtual Commencement, why not sometime in May?
With COVID-19, the rhythm of the spring semester changed. As classes moved to remote delivery, we took into account changes in learning environment and routines for our students. Although we think students adapted remarkably, we understood the anxiety around it for many, and we offered the option of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade designations. Choosing this option can have ramifications for some students wishing to pursue further study, and we wanted to allow enough time for students to consult with their advisors about these options. Thus, the timing of when final grades are submitted to the registrar and the certification of grades is later than usual.
Why June 27?
This date takes into consideration many of the traditional elements of an in-person Commencement that will be included in a virtual ceremony and allows us to deliver a thoughtful and well-executed program. The additional time is needed to ensure that every detail is addressed and managed. We know that it can’t take the place of gathering together in person, but we will try hard to make the event poignant and memorable!
Why can’t we have Commencement this summer or fall as communities relax stay at home restrictions?
While we would have liked to push an in-person Commencement to the summer or fall, we have no idea what course COVID-19 will take. The health and safety of our students and families, faculty and staff are paramount. It is clear that social distancing, mask-wearing and other preventive measures will be the norm for a while, making it difficult to execute a mass gathering safely and controllably.
How many people may I invite to the Virtual Ceremony?
Although it’s disappointing that we cannot all be together in person for graduation, one positive note is that you may invite as many of your friends and family as you would like to the virtual ceremony to help you celebrate this incredible educational milestone! There is no limit on number of attendees.
What about an in-person Commencement ceremony next spring?
Some schools are moving to this model. We concluded that, as students move to the next stage of their lives over the next year, they would like to celebrate their achievement of earning their degrees sooner rather than later. In addition, conferral of degrees in a timely manner is necessary for students entering the workforce or graduate school. While conferral of degrees could be done without the pomp and circumstance of a formal ceremony, many students would miss this recognition.
What about Grad Week?
The Campus Life and Residence Life staff is working hard to develop meaningful events for Virtual Grad Week, scheduled for June 22-26. Watch for more information.
When can we come back to campus for a Class of 2020 event?
We will follow the developments with COVID-19 and will plan accordingly for a special celebration in the 2020-2021 academic year. We can’t wait to see our Class of 2020 back on campus!
Where can I order customized gifts?
The Bookstore offers gifts and diploma frames. Graduates can order diploma frames online at the Bookstore website.
