Wilfrid Laurier, University of Waterloo postpone June convocation ceremonies

University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University will not hold their 2020 spring convocation ceremonies as planned due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A statement posted online Monday morning from University of Waterloo says "in-person convocation ceremonies will not take place at Waterloo in June."

"Having the chance to meet and celebrate with Waterloo's newest alumni and their loved ones is something I personally hold close in my heart," said outgoing University of Waterloo president Feridun Hamdullahpur in a message sent out to would-be grads and posted online. 

"I will greatly miss being able to share in your celebrations and honour your accomplishments." 

Wilfrid Laurier University says it is clear from public heath authorities that social distancing must continue and so the university "is looking forward to hosting this celebration when it is safe to do so."

Students will get diplomas by mail

Both universities assured students they would still receive their degrees and diplomas and said students would have an opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony — just not now.

In his note to students, Hamdullahpur said he hoped it would be in the fall and in the meantime told them to keep an eye on their school email for a "virtual convocation" in June. 

Depending on the spread of COVID-19, and the community's ability to respond to it, that could mean combining spring with fall 2020 convocations, Kevin Crowley, the university's director of communications told CBC News. 

"If we're doing all the legwork required to host the convocation in the fall perhaps we can add the spring convocations onto those ceremonies as well and extend it over a few days."

Laurier degrees "will be conferred in absentia" in case students need them for jobs or future degrees and will be mailed over the summer. Graduating students will be directly contacted through their school email when more information is available, the school said. 

University of Waterloo students are urged to update their address in Quest, as the school will be sending diplomas out by mail. 

University of Guelph and Conestoga College previous announced spring convocation had been suspended or cancelled.