Dear Students,

Greetings! I am writing with information regarding our time-honored tradition of commencement ceremonies, events that mark the important transition from student to alumni. Beginning with the 2018-19 academic year, Edgewood College will hold a single commencement ceremony each year, occurring in May.

This change comes after a significant period of study and reflection on the impact of maintaining or eliminating December commencement ceremonies. Participation, timing, resource commitment, along with other factors, informed this decision. In the end, it was determined that holding one commencement each year in May — a practice adopted by many of our peer institutions — would allow us to focus our resources on ensuring one high quality, meaningful ceremony for our graduates. To that end, I have chartered a Commencement Advisory Group, comprised of faculty, staff, and a student, who will be seeking input from the College community and making recommendations regarding enhancements to our commencement ceremonies moving forward.

I recognize that this change is significant, which is why we are announcing this decision with advance notice. More information will be forthcoming, but for now, please know that any students who finish in December 2018, May 2019, or August 2019 will be welcomed to participate in the May 2019 Commencement ceremonies.

Students with specific questions about their academic progress or eligibility for graduation should communicate with their advisor or visit the Student Resources link on the Registrar’s website. Any students seeking an exception to the commencement participation policy must submit their request in writing to registrar@edgewood.edu.

Sincerely,

Dean A. Pribbenow, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean