UMKC Having Virtual Graduation

The University of Missouri-Kansas City students will still graduate in May, but the commencement survey will be virtual. The decision was made after a survey was taken with students and parents.

All four University of Missouri schools have postponed their in-person ceremonies and each institution is making their own commencement plans

In the case of UMKC, students will have a virtual ceremony, then in December, there will be a traditional cap  and gown ceremony in which students will be able to walk on the stage.

All students who completed requirements for graduation will still have degrees conferred upon the regular schedule. 

In a letter to pending graduates and their families from Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and Interim Provost Jenny Lundgren, they said: “We know what a treasured tradition and milestone commencement is for our graduates who have worked long and hard for their diplomas. At the same time, we must address the need to keep our campus community, as well as our graduates’ families and loved ones, safe and healthy.”

The university plans to distribute a survey to pending graduates and their families during the week of April 6, soliciting ideas and input to help plan the virtual commencement.

“In May, we fully intend to find a fun, creative way to celebrate graduation and commencement virtually, with survey input from our graduates,” they wrote. “In December 2020, we also will plan to host our biggest in-person commencement celebration ever, inviting May and December grads to march across the stage and receive their diplomas.”