Bryant University Postpones 2020 Commencement To May 2021

SMITHFIELD, RI — Bryant University graduates' plans to celebrate their respective accomplishments with each other have been put on hold until well into 2021.

The school had hoped to hold a graduation ceremony — postponed from May due to the coronavirus crisis —for the class of 2020 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence on Aug. 29, but have determined Rhode Island phase 3 guidelines will not make that possible.

The new graduation ceremony date is May 23, 2021.

"We know this is disappointing," new Bryant president Ross Gittell said. "When (recently retired) President (Ron) Machtley announced the postponed date and new location for Bryant's 157th Commencement in April the trajectory of the coronavirus outbreak was still uncertain. Over time it has become clear that a late summer or fall large event with thousands of graduates and guests would create a health risk, and state officials have confirmed that under the current phase 3 requirements, which are expected to remain in place, it would not be allowed."

Gittell said that, despite improved coronavirus numbers in the state, conditions across the country would make it difficult for graduates to return, quarantine properly and take part in the ceremony. Gittell said there is no indication that gathering limits in RI will be sufficiently raised enough to hold an indoor ceremony anytime soon.

"None of Rhode Island's colleges or universities is having a graduation in the fall, even though many schools had plans to do so as we did," he said.

He said he hopes as many graduates will be able to return to the state in a year when conditions surrounding the virus have hopefully much improved.

"Moving the date to next spring will allow us to welcome our graduates and families back to the beautiful Bryant campus where we can enjoy our traditions," he said, "including the procession through Bryant's historic archway. We will spend the time between now and then working to plan a special celebration that is worthy of the accomplishments of the 2020 graduates and aligned with the public health best practices prevailing next May."