COVID-19 alters commencement and homecoming

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

The UNI administration announced this week that, due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, fall 2020 commencement activities will be conducted virtually. 

Iowa State University and the University of Iowa also shifted their fall commencement ceremonies to an online format this week.

“We know this is disappointing, but trust you understand that the health and safety of our graduates along with their family and friends is paramount,” the Office of University Relations stated in an email to the campus community on Thursday, Sept. 3.

“To our Spring 2020 graduates who hoped to take part in the December ceremony, we invite you to either join in this virtual celebration or return later for an in-person ceremony.”

The ceremony is now scheduled to be livestreamed on Saturday, Nov. 28, with more details to be announced at a later date.

University Relations also announced that homecoming has been postponed, and “may be rescheduled for spring,” in keeping with the delayed football season.

The festivities were originally scheduled for Oct. 16-17. This year’s theme, Panther Park,  references the “Jurassic Park” movie series.

Students, staff, alumni and community members should continue to visit homecoming.uni.edu for further information and updates.