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  1. Alumni Relations
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  3. Commencement 2021 FAQs

Commencement 2021 FAQs

What is the plan for the 2021 Commencement? Will the ceremony be in-person or virtual?

Our priority is the health and safety of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine community. With the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to celebrate our 2021 commencement ceremony virtually on Saturday, May 22, 2021. We will share more information about our virtual celebration and how to register soon.

Will we be given a refund or scholarship in lieu of an in-person commencement ceremony?

We are so proud of your achievements and want to make this day special. To honor the class of 2021, we will contribute to a charity in your name, and will soon share details on how the class will share their input on which charity is selected. Scholarships are based on academic merit and not applicable to this situation. If you have specific suggestions regarding the virtual celebration, please email [email protected]

Will the May 2021 ceremony be rescheduled to a later date when an in-person ceremony is possible?

Our graduates and families deserve some sense of certainty. You need to be able to count on a date and make plans. Your hard work deserves to be celebrated and we felt it important to recognize this milestone with family and friends.

We have decided to not reschedule this event to a later date. Large gatherings are still largely prohibited and are likely to be prohibited for the foreseeable future. And we hope you’ll consider walking in a future in-person ceremony, which we anticipate in 2022.

Am I able to participate in the 2022 in-person ceremony?

The Commencement Committee is considering all scenarios should global conditions allow for large in-person gatherings at that time. We will share more information once those plans are confirmed.

What if there are additional vaccines available this Spring?

Per the CDC, there may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, but supply will continually increase in the weeks and months that follow. However, a distribution plan has not been announced. With the vaccine still uncertain, and your health and safety our top priority, we have decided to move forward with a virtual ceremony.

Why can’t we have an outdoor ceremony?

An event of this size can be challenging for many reasons, including the need for social distancing and the uncertainties surrounding infection rates and potential vaccinations. With more than 5,000 people in attendance, the safety and health of you and your families are the primary motivations for hosting a virtual ceremony rather than delaying an in-person event of this magnitude to a much later date.

Why weren’t we consulted about what type of celebration we wanted?

We are in the process of planning now and welcome suggestions you have for the virtual commencement ceremony! If you have anything specific to share, please email [email protected]

When is the May 2021 commencement ceremony?

The virtual commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2021. More information will be sent via email with specific details on how you can participate in the coming months. 

Is the in-person commencement reception scheduled for Friday, May 21, 2021, canceled?

Yes, the in-person commencement reception for May 21, 2021, is canceled.

Can family and friends participate if the ceremony is virtual?

Yes! Your hard work deserves to be celebrated and we hope you will share your momentous accomplishment with family and friends. All graduates will receive instructions to participate in the virtual celebration, and how to invite family and friends to join. 

While you celebrate with friends and family, we hope you will take into consideration the importance of social distancing measures and continue to follow all CDC-recommended guidelines to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Can I order regalia?

Yes, RUSVM will cover the costs of your regalia fees. Instructions can be found here. We encourage you to order your regalia by Friday, March 19, 2021. Additional details on how to submit photos in your regalia for the ceremony will be coming soon!

If you have already purchased regalia, please reach out to the commencement planning team at [email protected] so we can work through a refund process with you. Please be sure to include your order number in your email.

Will I receive my diploma cover if the ceremony is virtual?

Yes, diploma covers will be mailed directly to you. To ensure that the diploma cover reaches you, we recommend that you update your current mailing address in your myRoss portal.

Will I still receive my honor cords, Empower Scholarship cords, and/or my 4.0 medal?

Yes, more information will be shared soon to eligible graduates. These will be mailed directly to those who qualify for honors.

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