Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane confirmed earlier today that the Spring 2021 convocation ceremonies will not be hosted in-person, due to the ongoing pandemic and the effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Principal Deane sent letters to this year’s graduating students, as well as 2020 spring and fall graduates who also did not have in-person ceremonies.

In the letters, the principal expressed his pride in the efforts of all graduating students in the face of significant challenges.

“I appreciate that your Queen’s experience over the last year may not have been what you were expecting – it is not what any of us were expecting for you,” he says. “Still, you will graduate soon, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements and welcoming you into the Queen’s alumni family.

Convocation is a capstone event for Queen’s graduates and Principal Deane restated the university’s commitment to holding in-person ceremonies for all 2021 and 2020 graduating students soon as it is safe to do so, with the necessary precautions.

Alternate graduation events to be hosted by the university and faculties are currently being planned. Details will be communicated in the coming weeks as they are finalized.

“I recognize this is a disappointment for our spring 2021 graduates, as it has been for everyone who graduated in 2020,” Principal Deane adds. “It is disappointing for the university as well, as convocation is a highlight for the entire campus community.”

While the convocation ceremonies are delayed, students who have applied to graduate, and who have completed all program requirements, will graduate. Each degree will be officially conferred and mailed to graduating students.

An announcement will be made when it is determined that it is safe to host in-person convocation ceremonies. Updates can also be found on the Office of the University Registrar’s website.