U of R cancels spring convocation ceremonies
The University of Regina announced that all its Spring 2020 convocation ceremonies are cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns.
This includes all convocation ceremonies for the main U of R campus and for its federated colleges.
In an update posted to its website on March 23, the university said it was a “difficult decision” to make.
“As the situation continues to unfold with COVID -19, the health and safety of our campus community is of the utmost importance to us,” it said.
“In the coming days we will determine how best to recognize and mark this significant accomplishment of our graduates.”
The U of R said this will not impact the credentials students will receive. All degrees, diplomas and certificates will still be awarded at the regular time — just without the official convocation ceremony.
“The term itself may have been disrupted due to the serious health implications of COVID -19, but the achievements of students have not been affected,” the U of R’s update read.
All classes moved online starting March 20 for the remainder of the semester. In its Monday update, the university also confirmed all spring and summer semester courses will be delivered online.
The Dr. John Archer Library on the main campus has also been closed, with only online services being offered at this time. The university’s three computer labs that remain open are closing effective Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The U of R said contingency plans for students who rely on those computers for access to their online classes are being developed.
In an earlier update, the U of R asked that the public avoid coming to the campus “unless absolutely necessary.”
All public events, programs and activities have already been cancelled and all recreation facilities are closed. Students, faculty and staff are still allowed on campus.