Message from the Chancellor: Update on Spring 2020 Commencement Exercises

Posted March 20, 2020, 6:26PM

March 20, 2020

Dear NCCU Community,

Our response to Coronavirus 2019, COVID-19, continues to evolve on a daily basis and has impacted nearly every facet of our university, and no doubt has touched your lives. As I often share with students, everyone involved with our university is thrilled to see each scholar arrive on the sloping hills and verdant green and looks forward to celebrating your achievements at Commencement. It is the day we watch proudly as our treasured Eagles soar into their respective careers or graduate and professional programs.

Following our review of the updated health information from local, state and national authorities and with advisement from the University of North Carolina System leadership, we have decided to postpone our Baccalaureate and Graduate and Professional Commencement exercises that had been scheduled for Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2020. We hope you know that this decision came with careful and thoughtful deliberation and with the safety, health and well-being of all members of our community as our top priorities.

In May, the Office of the Registrar will mail diplomas to students who have successfully completed their degree programs and are cleared to graduate at the end of this semester. Students who have been cleared and met all graduation requirement may request an official transcript from the university. Graduates and their families can also exercise the option of coming back to participate in the fall 2020 (December) Commencement exercises or the spring 2021 (May) ceremonies. 

Members of the Class of 2020: Stay focused and finish this semester strong. We have put a number of resources in place for you, as we know you will persevere and be successful in the final weeks of your academic studies at NCCU. We are behind you 100% and are keeping your best interests in mind. The university looks forward to celebrating and honoring this major life milestone.

Please remember to visit our website (www.nccu.edu) for additional updates.

In Truth and Service,

Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., Chancellor

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