Commencement Update

Dear Kean Community,

Since COVID-19 first began to impact our daily lives, I and the entire leadership team at Kean have been looking closely at the best way to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and congratulate our graduates.

We strongly hoped that circumstances would allow us to hold our commencement ceremonies at NJPAC and the Prudential Center, highlights of the academic year for the University community. However, it has unfortunately become clear that: 1) these facilities are not scheduled to reopen in time to prepare for, or hold, ceremonies in May, and 2) the projected size of our in-person commencement ceremonies far exceeds current recommendations for safe and manageable gatherings. Hence, we must forge a different path in these extraordinary times.

We have come to the difficult but necessary decision to hold a virtual commencement event in late Spring for all of our incredible 2020 graduates. Our virtual commencement will be different from our annual tradition but is being planned to be equally celebratory and inspiring. We will work to ensure each student who wishes to participate is recognized for their achievements.

I know this is disappointing to our graduates, and I share in that disappointment. But I also know that our graduates are a particularly resilient group that is used to working hard and sacrificing for the greater good. I have no doubt this decision falls into that category. Our top priorities must be the health and well-being of our graduates, their friends and families, and everyone in the Kean community who comes together for commencement.

We are working to develop an interactive virtual experience that allows all of our graduates to be individually recognized for their achievements through an interactive video platform that can be shared with loved ones and kept as a treasured keepsake. Graduating students will receive additional instructions for ordering their caps and gowns as well as participating in the virtual experience.

We all must remember that a commencement is a one-day celebration, but earning a degree is what matters most of all for our students, for the rest of their lives. The resilience of our graduating students in these troubling times amplifies our pride in their accomplishments and achievements.

Our graduates deserve all of our praise and recognition, and together with the entire Kean community, I look forward to celebrating with them.

Sincerely,

Dawood Farahi, Ph.D.

President