Commencement ceremonies tentatively scheduled for July 31, Aug. 1 and 2

The University announced today it will seek to hold postponed Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 on July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2, contingent upon sufficient interest among graduates. A survey will be emailed to graduates Wednesday.

 The plan is in accordance with anticipated public health guidelines for the end of this summer and will be held only if directives permit. The ceremonies were postponed from their original dates of May 1 and 2 due to restrictions on public gatherings in Denver.

The new plan calls for five, small outdoor ceremonies in which only graduates and a limited number of faculty and University leadership will attend. There will be several simulcast locations for guests who come to campus though attendance must be capped at 50 for each facility per public health directives regarding indoor events.

An evening July 31 ceremony will be held for doctoral degree graduates only. Graduate and undergraduate degree candidates will be asked to sign up for one of four ceremonies on Aug. 1 and 2. Each ceremony, with fewer than 200 graduates, will take place on Boettcher Commons with seats placed six feet apart. Other safety measures also will be taken.

Plans call for the Alpha Sigma Nu induction ceremony to be held July 31. It will not be possible to offer a baccalaureate service.

“We know how important it is to our graduates to hold these ceremonies and to recognize their achievements,” said Regis President Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. “We have designed these ceremonies with the safety of our graduates, their guests and our staff at top of mind. Based on the trends in Denver and our consultations with our local public health department, it is our fervent hope that these ceremonies will be possible at this time.”

Regis University postpones Commencement, will survey graduates about alternative plan

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and related bans on gatherings of more than 50 people through May 11 in Denver, Regis University must postpone its scheduled Commencement ceremonies and associated celebrations on May 1 - 3.  The University will ask candidates for graduation to complete a survey about how the University could best recognize the Class of 2020 when it is safe to do so.

“We share the bitter disappointment we know you and everyone who is so proud of your accomplishments all feel,” said Regis President the Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. “Celebrating your success is very important. We want to hear from the graduates themselves how we can best recognize their achievements.”