ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University Interim President George W. Hynd announced via a May 4 e-mail to faculty, staff and students that the university is tentatively planning to hold an in-person Commencement ceremony for all graduate and undergraduate students who would have graduated in May on Saturday, Aug. 15. The number of ceremonies that will be held on Aug. 15 will be determined by the number of graduates participating. More information on the number of ceremonies and their times will be released at a later date.
The university had to postpone its traditional May Commencement ceremonies because of the campus' closure due to COVID-19.
The Commencement Committee recommended the Aug. 15 Commencement date based on feedback received from graduating seniors.
"This was not an easy decision as there remains much uncertainty about where we will be as a state and a nation in three months’ time," said Hynd. "However, the committee and senior leadership felt strongly that students' Winthrop experiences should not end without appropriate recognition and celebration. Therefore, we will remain hopeful about the status of gatherings in mid-August and will share more details as we move forward with our plans."
The week of May 4 will still be a celebratory time as the university will celebrate and inspire May graduates through its various social media outlets and the Winthrop website throughout the week. In addition, a new website will debut on Saturday, May 9, when undergraduate Commencement was scheduled to take place.
May graduates are encouraged to watch their e-mail for details from Records and Registration about posting of degrees, receipt of diplomas and other logistics.
For more information, please contact Monica Bennett, director of communications, at bennettm@winthrop.edu.
