MANSFIELD, Conn. —
A big announcement from UCONN and the rest of Connecticut's public universities and colleges. All announcing students will not be returning to the classroom this semester and no graduation ceremonies will be held.
UCONN officials said considering the CDC’S recommendations for social distancing, making the move to online classes and canceling graduation ceremonies is abrupt but is beneficial to the UCONN community.
UCONN awards nearly 9,000 degrees each year throughout its 14 schools and colleges. Although with new state and federal guidance limiting crowd sizes to under 50 people for the next eight weeks, President Thomas Katsouleas said canceling graduation ceremonies and keeping coursework online this semester are actions needed to protect students and faculty.
In a statement addressed to the class of 2020, Katsouleas said:
“I am truly sorry that we will not be able to share the stage in May to celebrate your final year… if we could responsibly make a different choice, we would. but that is not an option. please know that the university is committed to finding the right time and place to invite you to come together and return here again to be appropriately honored and recognized, as you deserve to be.”
President Mark Ojakian announced that all 17 CSCU institutions will move to online classes and in-person commencement activities will be canceled.
Ojakian released this statement:
“I understand that this is a new direction for faculty and students alike, but it has become clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect our state well beyond April 5. we must do everything in our power not just to keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe, but also to slow the spread of the virus.”
Now with classes set to remain online, CSCU said they will be working to refund students for room and board and meal plans. Seniors would get the money directly, while other students will be credited for next year.
UCONN officials are set to host a virtual Town Hall via Youtube Wednesday at 11 a.m. for students and parents looking for more information. You can watch that by clicking here.
Following the decision, President Katsouleas penned a letter to UConn's Class of 2020.
"I know this is not the way you expected your time at UConn to end. I am truly sorry that we will not be able to share the stage in May to celebrate your final year and my first graduation ceremony at UConn. If we could responsibly make a different choice, we would. But that is no an option. Please know that the university is committed to finding the right time and place to invite you to come together and return her again to be appropriately honored and recognized, as you deserve to be."
“We are in uncharted waters, President Katsouleas said. "I appreciate everyone’s willingness to be flexible, resilient, and adaptable in light of events that are well beyond our control.”