Commencement
Due to continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19 virus and state-mandated restrictions limiting large gatherings, the University has made the very difficult decision to cancel our commencement ceremonies scheduled for August 20, 2020 at the Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks.
We share your disappointment about having to make this truly unfortunate, but necessary, decision. In place of those large in-person gatherings, we will be holding virtual Commencement ceremonies and a drive-through on-campus celebration. Questions? Please email commencement@gmercyu.edu.
Virtual Commencement Ceremonies
Both ceremonies will be very student-centered and include student-delivered invocations and commencement addresses. Honorary degrees and other faculty awards will not be presented during these ceremonies so we can dedicate time to ensuring every graduate has their name announced by their school’s Dean.
Virtual Graduate Commencement Ceremony - August 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - August 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Drive-Through Celebration
Plans for an on-campus Drive-Through Commencement Celebration - August 22, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., based on student interest (please complete this survey to let us know if you plan to attend).
- Each graduate will be provided a scheduled time to come to campus between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Faculty in regalia and other members of the GMercyU community will line University Drive to cheer graduates on during the drive through event.
- We will have a professional graduation photographer on campus on August 22 to take photos of graduates in their regalia (more on that below).
More information on these events and links to the virtual ceremonies events will be provided soon.
Regalia
We will ship your regalia and diplomas directly to you prior to the August ceremonies, so you can wear your regalia to the drive-through event and take pictures on campus.* We sincerely appreciate your patience while we made arrangements to have your regalia and diplomas shipped directly to you.
*August 2020 Graduates: You will have the opportunity to receive your diploma at the August 22, 2020 drive-through celebration or elect to have it shipped home if you are unable to attend.
To ensure we have the appropriate shipping address, and know if you plan to attend the August 22 celebration, please take a few moments to complete the survey at the following link:
Please complete the survey no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the decision made to cancel in-person commencement ceremonies?
After we closed our campuses on March 11, 2020, we received an overwhelming number of requests from graduates asking us to consider rescheduling the May 9, 2020 ceremonies rather than canceling them. We listened to that feedback and worked with the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks to re-schedule the in-person ceremonies for August 20, 2020. This decision was made well before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania implemented the red, yellow, and green phases for controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Although we will be entering the green phase of re-opening soon, the guidelines for this phase expressly prohibit gatherings of more than 250 people. We held off on making this very difficult choice until it became evident that Commonwealth restrictions would prevent us from holding our customary in-person events, and we did not make the decision lightly. At the end of the day, we had to put the health and safety of our students, their families, and the rest of our University community first, while also staying in compliance with Commonwealth requirements and CDC guidelines.
What about my graduation fee? Will that be refunded?
The graduation fee covers only a portion of the costs associated with University commencement events. The fee helps cover the costs to purchase and print your diploma and diploma cover and purchase your regalia and other commemorative materials. The graduation fee is non-refundable even if students choose not to attend their commencement ceremony or order regalia.
What is a virtual commencement ceremony?
A virtual commencement is a graduation ceremony that you can watch as soon as the link goes live on the commencement website (August 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for the graduate ceremony, and August 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. for the undergraduate ceremony), watch at your convenience, or download. During each ceremony recording, you will be able to hear remarks from President D’Emilio, Provost Van Brunt, and student speakers. Your names will be read by the Academic Deans of your school just like an in-person ceremony.
Am I able to have graduation pictures taken?
Under usual circumstances, the University hosts a professional photographer on campus to take graduation portraits of our students. The photographer makes these portraits available for student purchase. Since we were unable to host graduation portraits on campus this spring, we will have a professional photographer on site during the drive-through commencement celebration on August 22, 2020. We invite you to have your picture taken in your regalia holding your diploma with your family and will make all pictures available free of charge.
How do I get my regalia and diploma?
If you graduated in August 2019, January 2020 or May 2020, we will mail them to you! Please complete this survey to make sure we have your most up-to-date shipping address. You can also let us know if you plan to attend the drive-through celebration on August 22, 2020. If you are graduating in August 2020, you will have your regalia shipped to you and can either pick up your diploma at the drive-through celebration on August 22, 2020 or elect to have it shipped to you beginning the week of August 24, 2020.
What if I received academic honors for the May 2020 Virtual Honors Convocation?
If you received academic honors for the May 2020 virtual Honors Convocation ceremony, we will include the appropriate cords, medals, awards, etc. in the shipment with your regalia and diploma. August 2020 graduates who are eligible will be able to participate in the May 2021 Honors Convocation ceremony.
What if I receive Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude)?
Graduates who receive Latin honors based upon their GPA will receive their medals with their diploma and regalia.
Our Wish For You
More than 100 members of GMercyU's faculty and staff came together to congratulate the Class of 2020 and share their wishes for our newest Distinctive Mercy Graduates.
Honors Convocation
In lieu of our annual on-campus Honors Convocation event, which was to take place on Friday, May 8, we have created a special interactive Honors Convocation program.
Congratulations to all graduates who received honors and to our special award winners!
Welcome to the Alumni Association
You now join the ranks of more than 23,000 Distinctive Mercy Graduates who are making a difference – in the lives of others, in their communities, and around the world.
Dear Students of Mercy
Our prayer to you, Griffins - that you're empowered to share Mercy. That you aren't afraid to accept Mercy that is shared with your from others. And that you always share Mercy first, where you end up.
Griffin Heroes
With the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, a Griffin is a symbol of enormous strength and vigor, symbolizing an ability to meet challenges head on.
Griffins always rise to the occasion, both in life and work.
Check out all of our #GriffinHeroes who are making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic by clicking the image below.
