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Office of the Provost - Wayne State University

Dear students,

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Wayne State University’s spring commencement ceremonies. It was our hope to have a formal, in-person commencement this May. However, the confirmation of COVID-19 variants in Michigan and the continued vaccine rollouts are reminders that the threat posed by this virus persists. In the interest of public safety and after much discussion with President Wilson and other university leaders, we have decided that the May celebration will be a virtual event.

This year’s spring commencement will take place virtually on Wednesday, May 5. Detailed information on the ceremonies, including event times for each Wayne State school and college, will be posted shortly at the commencement website. You can also check this site regularly for other information and updates.

We know this is not the way you planned to celebrate your achievements. Please know this decision was not made lightly. Commencement is a special time for all of us at Wayne State University, and there is nothing we look forward to more than celebrating with our graduates. We miss seeing your faces and handing you your degrees, and rest assured we will be cheering you on even though we are apart. I hope you will take the time to view the virtual ceremonies on May 5 and invite your friends and family to share in your incredible achievements.

We have made great strides in understanding, treating and preventing COVID-19 over the past year. The approval of vaccines last December was a major achievement, and provides hope that the end of this pandemic may be in sight. However, we have always known that ending this pandemic was a marathon, not a sprint. When this threat has passed — and it will pass — we hope to invite you to a formal, in-person ceremony where we can celebrate your accomplishments together.

Over this last year, as you have navigated unprecedented circumstances and new learning scenarios, you have exemplified what it means to be Warrior Strong. You have earned a celebration, and the fact that it looks different from what we had hoped for doesn’t diminish what you have accomplished.

Stay safe and Warrior Strong,

Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, PhD, RN, FAAN 
Interim Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs