After much thought and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Aug. 7 commencement ceremony on Flowerhill Lawn. As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise within the state of Alabama, the health and safety of our spring graduates and guests is our highest priority. At this time, a gathering of an expected 1,000 attendees in close proximity on the Flowerhill Lawn is ill advised.
After conducting a survey among the spring 2020 graduates, we are planning to hold a traditional, in-person ceremony on campus once the virus has abated and it is deemed safe to gather in large numbers.
John W. Stewart III
UM President