Dear Community Members,

As we begin to welcome our community members back onto our campuses today, I want to provide you with an update on our Fall 2021 convocation ceremonies.

After careful consideration, given the ongoing public health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and current public health restrictions, York University, Ryerson University, Seneca College, and the University of Toronto have each made the difficult decision not to hold in-person Fall convocation ceremonies.

Although each institution will have a unique approach to celebrating their graduates this year, we know that this news will still be disappointing to many of our community members.

Here at York, we are committed to ensuring that all of our graduates have the opportunity to join us for in-person celebrations when it is safe to do so, and we look forward to acknowledging the achievements of our graduates in person at a future date. In the meantime, the University is working to create a memorable virtual graduation celebration for this fall, which will include the delivery of special graduation packages containing diplomas and other commemorative items. We are also planning to enhance our Fall celebration event with a variety of in-person activities, including diploma pick-up and photo opportunities, as public health guidelines allow. More information on these plans will be shared with graduating students shortly.

While we know the Fall convocation ceremonies may look different than many of us had hoped, we remain incredibly proud of our graduating students, and the determination and perseverance they have shown throughout their time at York. Earning a university degree is a remarkable achievement at any time, but it is all the more extraordinary during a global pandemic.

 
Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor