Graduation Updates for the Class of 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused Meredith College to make the difficult decision to postpone its commencement ceremony.

To keep the Meredith community informed about all the ways the College intends to honor this class and its accomplishments, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about graduation this year.

Has Meredith’s Commencement ceremony been rescheduled?

Meredith’s commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for May 9, has been postponed.

The dominant theme in a survey of the Class of 2020 was that a majority of degree candidates do not want an online ceremony and the College intends to honor that wish with an in-person ceremony at some point in the future. Decisions on when, where, and how this event will be held cannot be finalized without further guidance from state and local officials, including the conclusion of North Carolina’s stay-at-home orders, and availability of venues. Details will be shared with the Class of 2020 and their families as soon as possible.

When will the College confer degrees for the Class of 2020?
The degree conferral date will still be Saturday, May 9, which means this is the date successful degree candidates can officially call themselves Meredith College graduates. The degree conferral will be marked with a special video from President Jo Allen at 8 p.m. on May 9.

How will students receive their diplomas?
The Registrar’s Office will mail diplomas several weeks later to the graduate’s home address unless notified of a different address by May 15. Contact the Registrar at registrar@meredith.edu.

How is Meredith celebrating the Class of 2020?
Several efforts are underway to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. These efforts include a series of Strong Stories on members of the class, a special web page, and highlights in the Summer 2020 Meredith Magazine. Another special tribute, which was suggested by members of the senior class, is a Vision Day social media campaign. All Meredith community members are invited to share in Vision Day on May 9. Learn more on meredith.edu/celebrate.

Can members of the class still order their caps and gowns? 
Yes. Contact Emily Kelleher, campus store manager, at ekkelleher@meredith.edu, to make arrangements to purchase regalia and have it shipped. There will be additional opportunities for purchasing when the physical store re-opens.

When can students take graduation photos on campus?
In keeping with government guidelines limiting the number of people on campus, photo shoots are not currently allowed. Meredith College will allow campus photo sessions to resume as soon as North Carolina’s stay-at-home orders expire.

How will updates be provided during the summer?
Meredith College leaders have sent frequent updates to the campus community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates will be shared with Class of 2020 members via email and will be shared on meredith.edu. Continue to visit meredith.edu/coronavirus for more information.

Meredith College is proud of its Class of 2020 and looks forward to celebrating with a commencement ceremony in the future.