To our graduating students,

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is having a profound impact on British Columbia and strict provincial, federal and international measures, including disallowing mass gatherings and requiring physical distancing, are in place to prevent the spread of the disease.

What we are experiencing is unpredictable and unparalleled to anything we’ve ever experienced before. The University understands the pandemic and the challenges it presents has greatly affected our students and alumni around the world and we want to let you know you are in our thoughts.

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority. However, it is also important for us to celebrate and recognize the educational accomplishments of our students, and for you as graduates to celebrate your own achievements.

When considering both of these priorities, we have made the decision to change the format and date of the 2020 UNBC Convocation in Prince George, and the Celebration of Graduates at the regional campuses from a face-to-face format to a virtual format on June 26 so that the Class of 2020 can be honoured without any health risk.

Participating virtually allows you the opportunity to stay engaged with your graduating class, by personalizing a graduating message, video and photo. This Class of 2020 content will be available to download as a virtual roll call to share with family and friends. All graduates will have their name and degree called, even if they do not upload personal content. Regardless of the modifications being made to the Convocation event, students will still graduate and receive their parchment.

Some of you may be asking why we cannot defer or postpone the ceremonies until the fall. Unfortunately, fall convocation ceremonies are not part of our existing academic schedule, and that makes deferral very difficult. We vetted the idea of postponement, but the logistics surrounding graduation and the event itself means this is not a viable option.

Rather than cancelling, UNBC wants to recognize your accomplishments in a virtual celebration. Potentially, we can look to do a specific Class of 2020 alumni event sometime during the upcoming academic year, and will seek your input about this in our graduation survey.

Please submit your online RSVP by April 30, as there are important pieces of information required. We are developing a plan to ensure students receive their parchments. Further instructions can be found on the Convocation website.

We understand some of you have registered to attend the ceremony and made travel arrangements to Prince George. Contact your airlines directly or booking partner/travel agent if applicable to determine the effects of cancelling flights. If you and your guests have booked accommodations, please contact them directly.

We know you will have more questions and we will give you more information as soon as we have more details.

We understand this is a difficult and challenging time for all of our students, especially those in the Class of 2020 as you complete your final semester in alternate delivery modes. We thank you and appreciate your understanding and patience to adapt in this rapidly evolving situation. All of us at UNBC congratulate you on your achievement.

Although we are terribly disappointed we cannot congratulate you in person, we are thankful for the technology available to celebrate with you virtually, and hope that you find value in our efforts to honour your achievements.

If you have any questions, please e-mail convocation@unbc.ca.

We hope to “see” you virtually on June 26.

Geoff Payne
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor