Update on Commencement and Summer Trips
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Dear CCU Community:
The University is announcing today, upon recommendation of the Coronavirus Response Team (CRT), a postponement of the 2020 Commencement Exercises, scheduled for May 8, 2020 at the FirstBank Center in Broomfield. Of the many difficult decisions the CRT has been discussing, 2020 Commencement is perhaps the most meaningful one — especially to our graduates and their loved ones, who have invested so much during their years at CCU and have looked forward with hopeful expectation to a public and joyful celebration that honors their achievements and honors Jesus Christ.
This announcement also extends to all other Commencement related events, including the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony and Commissioning Ceremonies, the College of Undergraduate Studies Senior Banquet, and all individual school and center celebrations and ceremonies.
This decision aligns with the State of Colorado regulations in compliance with the CDC guidelines regarding large gatherings, as well as the stay-at-home orders for the Denver-metro area in response to the COVID-19 virus.
Please know that the University is considering all options related to this postponement, including a ceremony at a later date, a virtual ceremony, and/or a combination of both.
Because we cannot predict the trajectory of the pandemic, or when it will be safe to gather in great numbers, we ask for your patience until there is greater clarity. We will strive to announce further updates as soon as the situation allows, and will work to assure adequate lead time for individual plans and arrangements.
The Registrar's office will still confer degrees in May for those students who complete and satisfy their degree requirements, so those students who plan to continue on to graduate school or other endeavors can do so without delay. Diplomas will still be sent to home addresses via mail, and transcript orders and fulfillment will continue as normal.
Finally, the CRT has made the difficult decision to cancel all domestic and international student trips through August 2020. This includes any CCU2theWorld mission trips and all academic trips, in light of growing travel restrictions and conditions around the world.
The University administration and the CRT continue to be deeply grateful for your prayers and support, and we want you to know that we continue to pray for each of you. Despite the new social distancing requirements that we are all getting accustomed to, we share deep connections that are unbreakable and eternal as members of the body of Christ. We look forward to the day that we can celebrate together (in-person) God's continued faithfulness to the CCU community.
Thank you for your continued grace and patience with us as we make key decisions around this crisis. We invite you to continue to rely on ccu.edu/coronavirus for updates.
Sincerely,
Dr. Donald W. Sweeting
President