Dear UMA Community,
Chancellor Dannel Malloy has announced the campuses of the University of Maine System will be awarding degrees on schedule for graduating students, however, traditional in-person commencement exercises would not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know our entire UMA community shares in the disappointment of our graduating students, yet acknowledge the necessity of this decision under these extraordinary circumstances.
While an in-person ceremony is not possible, we are still planning to celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments. I am gathering a small committee of students, faculty, and staff to brainstorm ideas to share with the Commencement Committee. If you have thoughts you would like to submit, please email them to uma.communications@maine.edu. Alternatives may include a virtual event, a postponement, or a combination of celebrations. As plans are finalized we will provide additional details.
One of my greatest honors is to shake the hand of each graduate as they cross the stage during UMA’s Commencement. It is a celebration of a significant milestone that I know the entire UMA community shares. Please help me in reminding our graduates that the accomplishment of receiving a degree will last a lifetime and the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained at UMA will stay with them as they pursue new opportunities.
These are unprecedented times, but together we will adapt and find a way forward.
Sincerely,
Rebecca M. Wyke, Ed.D.
President