URI Plans Virtual Commencement For Class Of 2020

KINGSTON, RI — With the new coronavirus forcing the cancellation of in-person classes and graduation at colleges and universities in Rhode Island and across the country, schools are getting creative to celebrate seniors. On Monday, the University of Rhode Island announced that it would be holding virtual graduation ceremonies in the coming weeks for approximately 3,870 undergraduates and 725 graduate students during "virtual recognition weekend."

The graduate school ceremony will be held on May 16 at 9 a.m. and the undergraduate ceremony will be at 12:30 p.m. the following day. Gov. Gina Raimondo, college deans and others will address the class of 2020, as well as performances of the URI Alma Mater by graduate Elise Felker, messages of encouragement from the golden anniversary class of 1970 and more.

Graduates are encouraged to visit URI's commencement website to find tools to celebrate graduates.