SUBJECT:

Commencement 2020 Announcement

Commencement is the most important ceremony of the year for any university because it is one of the most momentous ceremonies of a person’s lifetime. When graduates walk across a stage in front of their families and friends, peers, and faculty to accept their diplomas, it marks the culmination of years of preparation, effort and dedication. It is a day that everyone looks forward to: students, parents, faculty and administrators. This time-honored recognition of achievement marks the end of one stage of life and heralds the beginning of a new one.

It was our sincere hope to be able to continue our most celebrated tradition in person at the end of the academic year, but unfortunately, that is not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s commencement requires an innovative solution that balances recognition of accomplishment with concerns for public health and safety.

Spring 2020 graduates of UC San Diego’s undergraduate and graduate programs will be recognized with virtual ceremonies. Our traditional in-person commencement ceremonies will be held at later, yet-to-be-determined dates.

UC San Diego’s Virtual Commencement 2020, which includes undergraduate colleges and graduate programs, will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Our virtual ceremony will include a commencement address from award-winning television journalist and CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker as well as the recognition of individual graduates, the conferral of degrees, and the traditional tassel turn. Details are forthcoming and will be provided by your college or school. Updates will be available at https://commencement.ucsd.edu.

UC San Diego’s School of Medicine Virtual Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Ceremony details are forthcoming and will be distributed by the School of Medicine.

I am always so very proud of our graduating class, but this year especially so. They have proven not only that they can adapt, but also that they can thrive under extenuating circumstances. Our entire student body has risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and exceeded all expectations. I honor their resilience, hard work and determination.

Together, we will create a memorable virtual commencement experience, and together we will return to campus at a later date to celebrate in person. In both cases, our entire campus community looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of all our graduates who have worked diligently for many years to earn their degrees.

Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor