March 17, 2020 Spring 2020 Commencement, Graduation Celebration Cancelled

The health of our Volunteer family, the surrounding communities and the nation remains our top priority. Due to COVID-19, UT has taken many measures to slow the spread of the disease and maintain the academic progress of our students. One measure is the cancellation of all UT events for the remainder of the semester, including commencement ceremonies. UT leaders and commencement coordinators are working to reimagine how to celebrate this important moment in students’ and families’ lives.

COVID-19 is a quickly evolving situation. At this point, all graduating students will receive information from UT, not directly from the college, as UT leaders manage many decisions for the benefit and health of our students, faculty, staff, friends and families.

UT leaders and we in the college know this is a disappointment. The decision was not made lightly, and we share in your disappointment. Please watch for updates from UT and ultimately from us about potential plans for a reimagined celebration.

Graduation Celebration

Because UT cancelled events, the college’s Graduation Celebration (reception and exhibit of graduating students’ work) has been cancelled. We are working to determine ways to share graduating students’ work in other ways, and any ideas you have should be sent to Julie Beckman, julie.beckman@utk.edu.

Your best source of accurate information about UT’s response to COVID-19 is utk.edu/coronavirus. Please check it often.