Commencement 2020

Hamline University will not be able to hold commencement ceremonies previously scheduled for May 23, 2020.

Alternative options are being explored. 

Postponing commencement was a difficult but necessary decision. The health and safety of our graduates, their families and friends, and the Hamline community is important to us all. We know the decision to postpone might seem unfair. It certainly is disappointing. We, therefore, included graduating students in our conversation on how best to reimagine commencement. The response we got to our survey of graduates was overwhelming. Thanks to those of you who shared your thoughts.

Over 300 graduates answered the survey and of those with a preference, 91.8 percent indicated they would prefer a late summer or early fall in-person commencement—so providing a meaningful ceremony that is safe for everyone to attend during the requested time frame is now our goal.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that our graduates receive the recognition they so richly deserve after years of hard work.

Additional updates will be provided as they are available.

May 13 update: At this time a postponed date for Commencement has not been set. We are carefully and thoughtfully responding to guidance we receive from the Minnesota Department of Health and will proceed planning a new Commencement date when we can responsibly and safely begin to gather large groups again. Please be prepared that this could take a number of weeks. We will communicate periodic updates throughout the summer and plan to announce a postponed ceremony date with no less than eight weeks notice from the new date. We encourage you to check this page for the most current information.