Announcement regarding ‘Class of 2020 Commencement Drive-Thru Experience’
UW-Green Bay continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and strategize to keep students, faculty and staff safe from potential transmission. University leadership is meeting frequently to assess the situation and make necessary decisions. Stay informed by checking your campus email and visiting: https://www.uwgb.edu/coronavirus/.
The following message was e-mailed July 14, 2020 from UW-Green Bay Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Climate, Gail Sims-Aubert to all UW-Green Bay students who were eligible to graduate and participate in 2020 Spring Commencement.
Dear Class of 2020 Graduate:
The global pandemic has taught us many things. One of these lessons has been that we must remain flexible enough to accommodate best practices concerning the health and wellness of all. Keeping the safety of our graduates, families, faculty, staff, and community in mind, UW-Green Bay has taken the opportunity to reimagine Commencement.
In lieu of hosting a traditional in-person ceremony, UW-Green Bay will be holding a personalized and unique experience for our graduates. On Saturday, August 22, we invite you and your supporters to attend the first ever UW-Green Bay Commencement Drive-Thru Experience!
Please know that we considered many, many scenarios for an in-person ceremony that would allow us to honor our graduates while mitigating health risks. However, given the large number of graduates who expressed interest in attending, and the increasing community spread of the virus, it is impossible for us to safely gather in August. We are as disappointed as you and your families, as we consider Commencement to be one of the best days of the year on campus. By reinventing graduation, we still get to welcome you and your loved ones safely back to campus, and most importantly, we get to celebrate your achievement!
During the Class of 2020 Commencement Drive-Thru Experience, you will be greeted by Chancellor Alexander and his Cabinet at the main entrance of the Weidner Center for Performing Arts. While there, you will have a professional photo taken with the Chancellor and will be presented with a Graduation Care Package. Upon departure, you will be invited to tour campus for a variety of additional photo opportunities. You may even be able to spot some of your favorite faculty and staff along the route!
To participate, in this first-ever experience, you simply need to follow the steps listed in your email. Until then, please know that we are looking forward to seeing you in your cap and gown (or attire of your choice), arriving in your decorated cars containing your favorite people.
Stay safe and Go Phoenix!
Gail Sims-Aubert
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Climate
