Dear Mansfield Mountie family,
We are truly living through an unprecedented global event the likes of which we have not seen in Mansfield University’s 163-year history. The impact of the coronavirus, COVID-19, extends well beyond the disruption of our daily routines and continues to impact events planned for the near future. This is why I am writing to share news about Mansfield University’s Commencement ceremony with you today.
After much consideration, it is abundantly clear that we have no choice but to postpone our Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony, previously scheduled for May 2. This is certainly not an easy decision, but one that requires timely notification for families already making travel arrangements.
Walking across the stage at commencement is a proud and defining moment for our students who have worked so hard to earn their degree. We are actively assessing alternative plans to honor our spring graduates. A survey describing options for a future ceremony will soon be released to students expected to graduate in the spring. This information will help inform the administration about preferences for a commencement ceremony to happen later in the year for any graduate wishing to participate.
Whatever is decided, students completing all degree requirements will still officially graduate, regardless of whether they walk across a stage at commencement. It is our goal to provide our spring graduates with a future opportunity to participate in an in-person ceremony and cross the stage at a commencement ceremony. We will share additional information regarding a future ceremony with our community once the survey results are complete and a decision can be made.
Also, thank you for your continued patience as we work together to allow our Mansfield University students to complete the current semester online. I understand that the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely disruptive, and this is a difficult time for our students, their families, and our faculty and staff, but we are pulling together and solving problems as they arise in a way that demonstrates our caring and resilient Mountie Spirit.
Sincerely,
Charles
Charles E. Patterson, PhD
President
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 662-4046
