University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, announced in a letter to the University on Jan. 26 that all May 2021 graduation ceremonies and celebrations will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the University will not hold the previously scheduled Universitywide Commencement ceremony May 20.
Jarrell wrote, “I know that this is disappointing news to many, and I empathize with those feelings. However, the safety and security of the UMB community is my priority, and virtual graduation ceremonies are one way to assure that safety. UMB leadership will reassess the situation, most likely in May, to determine if it will be safe to plan in-person celebrations in late summer or early fall.”
He said that diplomas will reflect the official graduation date of May 20, 2021, and will be mailed to graduating students via first-class mail by the Office of the Registrar. In addition, electronic diplomas will be available from the registrar’s office for graduates needing proof of their degree prior to their official diploma arriving in the mail.
Closer to May, the University will share information on the Commencement website about virtual celebrations.
“While we are all extremely disappointed that we cannot celebrate together, please know that it by no means diminishes the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduates. We are so very proud of each and every one of you,” Jarrell concluded.