With the federal government and many states now extending social distancing guidance into May, it is now not possible for Clarkson’s traditional commencement activities to take place in Potsdam this spring as planned. No decision has been made on the Capital Region Campus ceremony in June.
In a message being sent tonight to students impacted by the cancellation of the May dates for commencement in Potsdam, University President Tony Collins, CUSA President Owen Ukleya ‘20, Graduate Student Association President Sandip Purnapatra, and Clarkson School Council Representatives Hayden Brandt, Mary Donnelly and Nicole Ellegate along with their Head of School Jen Knack, said, “It is with deep regret that we move to this decision and ask for you to consider alternatives with the administration and student leadership organizations. Your collective preferences will guide our next steps.”
To that end, the President and student leaders are surveying each group — Clarkson University seniors, grad students completing degrees, and The Clarkson School — for how to mark these education milestones. Students are getting their personal emails tonight.
In addition to alternatives to a traditional commencement ceremony, postponement to a later date, or joining future ceremonies, the survey also includes preferences for other events that surround student recognition and traditional commencement weekend activities. The results of the survey will guide the next steps taken. More details will be shared in the near future after a thoughtful review of student input.
Clarkson University plans to have all transcripts completed per its usual schedule after all grades are submitted, so there will be no delay in providing employers, graduate programs or postdoctoral administrators proof of degree completion.
Clarkson University is continuing to follow federal, state, and local directives, following social distancing protocol, and complying with Governor Cuomo’s New York on PAUSE directives. All Clarkson buildings are closed to all visitors and only authorized personnel are allowed on campus until further notice. Everyone is being asked to adhere to social distancing protocols.
For updates, go to http://www.clarkson.edu/coronavirus
