PNW Spring, Summer, Fall 2020 Graduation Celebrations Set For Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12.

Hammond IN

01 November, 2020

6:01 PM

Description

From Purdue University Northwest: October 30, 2020 Dear Graduates and Families of Spring, Summer and Fall 2020, Thank you for your patience as we all continue to navigate the ongoing pandemic together. The health and safety of our graduates and your families is the most important consideration as we near the time of the semester for recognizing this milestone accomplishment. We are pleased to share information about the upcoming Graduation Celebration Events, scheduled for Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12. Through the Student Government Association Town Hall process and other engagements, the university has heard from students that it is most important to walk across the stage, in cap and gown if you prefer, and take photos with family and supporters present. We will not be able to hold our traditional large-format commencement ceremonies in December, in keeping with our PNW guidelines to protect the health and safety of everyone. However, we are happy to provide the opportunity take photos on a stage, and to invite graduates' families to campus for these events. The Graduation Celebration Events are open to all PNW graduates of Spring, Summer and Fall 2020. We hope that many of you will come to campus on the designated dates in December to safely celebrate with those who have supported you through your educational journey, and to commemorate your accomplishments with keepsake photos. PNW plans to provide one free professional portrait of each graduate participating on these dates, and you will have the opportunity to purchase additional photos and take your own photos. General information is shared below so that you can start planning. Please watch your email and the PNW website in the coming weeks for more details. Please also check the PNW website at pnw.edu/commencement starting Dec. 4 for videos, stories and more celebrating the Class of 2020. Congratulations to each and every one of you for powering onward to your degree! Graduation Celebration Events A unique opportunity to walk the stage and take photos with family to celebrate your accomplishments. A few surprises are planned to celebrate YOU! Special photo opportunities will be set up around both campuses, indoor and outdoor, to give you additional locations to commemorate your graduation from PNW. When Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dworkin Student Services and Activity Center, Westville Campus Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dworkin Student Services and Activity Center, Westville Campus Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Alumni Hall, Student Union & Library, Hammond Campus Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alumni Hall, Student Union & Library, Hammond Campus Please note: Reserved time slots will be required to participate, to ensure social distancing. Watch your email and the website for a link to pre-register for a time slot. Be sure to share your photos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #PNWGrad, and tag PurdueNorthwest! Important Guidelines All COVID-19 Protocols MUST be followed. Please share responsibility for keeping everyone safe and healthy. Face coverings must be worn while inside campus buildings, and any time individuals are fewer than six feet apart outside. PNW staff will indicate the limited times when face coverings can be removed for photographs. Social distancing standards are in effect. Therefore, no group photos of students who are not from the same family will be allowed. All spaces will be cleaned and disinfected regularly to help ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. See the PNW COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting protocols for more information. Yohlunda Mosley, Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Frequently Asked Questions How Will Purdue Northwest Celebrate Fall 2020 Graduation? PNW is offering four Graduation Celebration Events, a unique opportunity to walk the stage and take photos with family to celebrate your accomplishments. These events are open to all PNW graduates of Spring, Summer and Fall 2020. A few surprises are planned to celebrate YOU! Special photo opportunities will be set up around both campuses, indoor and outdoor, to give you additional locations to commemorate your graduation from PNW. PNW plans to provide one free professional portrait of each graduate participating on these dates, and you will have the opportunity to purchase additional photos and take your own photos. What Are the Dates and Times of the Graduation Celebration Events? Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dworkin Student Services and Activity Center, Westville Campus Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., DSAC, Westville Campus Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Alumni Hall, Student Union & Library, Hammond Campus Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alumni Hall, SUL, Hammond Campus Please note: Reserved time slots will be required to participate, to ensure social distancing. How Do I Register for a Graduation Celebration Event? The registration process will be announced as soon as possible and a link will be shared with all graduates of Spring, Summer and Fall 2020. Will There Be Commencement ceremonies in Fall 2020? The health and safety of our graduates and your families is the most important consideration as we near the time of the semester for recognizing this milestone accomplishment. We will not be able to hold our traditional large-format commencement ceremonies in December, in keeping with our PNW guidelines to protect the health and safety of everyone. I Graduated in Spring 2020, Summer 2020 or Fall 2020. Will I Still Be Able to Come Back and Take Part in an "Official" Ceremony in Spring 2021 or Any Future Time? We do not expect to be able to invite graduates of past semesters to participate in a future commencement ceremony, in consideration of the uncertainty of the resolution of the global pandemic, available space and other important factors. Am I Required to Wear a Cap and Gown at the Graduation Celebration Event? You are not required to wear a cap and gown, however, if you are interested in doing so, please contact the Bookstore at PNW for more information. Do I Have to Attend the Graduation Celebration at the Campus Where I Attended the Majority of My Classes? You are welcome to participate in any of the Graduation Celebration Events. Please just pre-register for the time and location that is most convenient for you and your guests. To ensure social distancing for the protection of everyone's health and safety, pre-registration will be required. When Will I Receive My Diploma? Each semester, diplomas are prepared after final grades have been verified. Following fall semester, diplomas typically are ready in mid- to late January. The Office of the Registrar will contact graduates to notify you that diplomas can be picked up on campus. Diplomas for candidates who are unable to pick them up from the Office of the Registrar will be mailed to the graduate's current mailing address as noted in our student information system. For more information, see the diplomas page. This press release was produced by Purdue University Northwest. The views expressed are the author's own.