The American University of Rome's 2021 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held virtually on Friday, May 21st at 6:00 pm (CET) while the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony will be held virtually on Monday, May 24th at 6:00 pm (CET).
One of the most important and inspirational moments of the year is when we have the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our students at our annual Commencement Ceremony. For the students, it's the culmination of their academic journey. For family, friends, faculty, and staff it's the opportunity to honor the hard work, spirit, and dedication of these young people - and particularly so for the Class of 2021, who have had to make their way through their final year with us in such a turbulent and challenging period.
In this time of COVID-19, the university is tasked with trying to find adequate ways to celebrate these achievements while ensuring that we adhere to government health guidelines and prioritize the safety & wellbeing of our community. In 2020, AUR held its first, hugely successful, virtual commencement. This year, much as we wish we could be in-person once again, our commencement will also be held virtually.
On announcing the format for this year's commencement exercises, AUR's Academic Dean, Dr. Genevieve Gessert, stated "One of the benefits of the virtual format is that there are no limits on the number of friends & family that a graduating student can invite. In the past, physically getting to Rome to be part of their student's special day has been difficult for families that might live halfway around the world. Online, they are all able to be part of the celebration. We will also be holding small, private in-person events on campus in the run-up to the virtual ceremony that will allow our students to celebrate their achievements with their peers and the professors who have worked with them. These events will strictly observe all Covid-19 health protocols and all attendees will be tested prior to their attendance."
A college committee is currently finalizing the detailed elements of the virtual ceremony. More details will be forthcoming very soon.
Registrations to attend for students' friends & family will open on April 20th.
