February 22, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to share with you that on Wednesday, May 12 IU South Bend plans to hold an in-person, outdoor commencement on campus for both 2020 and 2021 undergraduate and graduate students. As excited as we are to have an in-person commencement ceremony, the health and safety of our campus community remains a top priority. Therefore in-person attendance will be limited to graduates only; family and friends are invited to attend commencement virtually, along with faculty and staff. A virtual viewing will also be available to graduates who are unable to attend in person.
More details about commencement will be forthcoming, and initial information is available on IU South Bend's commencement website. Students have received a communication regarding commencement from President McRobbie and will be hearing from our IUSB commencement team with further details soon. Students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 are encouraged to indicate their interest in attending their commencement ceremony. Participating graduates will also be required to undergo specific COVID-19 testing.
Additionally, the May 12 ceremony will be the only in-person IU South Bend commencement activity this spring. All other recognition events for schools, departments and programs must be held virtually.
These commencement celebration decisions were made based on the best medical and public health advice from the experts on IU's Medical Response Team, which has led the university's effective public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year.
Commencement is one of the most anticipated events on the campus calendar, and it was a heartbreaking decision to have to cancel it last May. While current plans are subject to change based on the public health outlook as May approaches, we are excited for the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our students in person and in a way consistent with IU's rigorous pandemic policies.
I’m grateful for your continued commitment to keeping the Titan community healthy and look forward to celebrating in May!