To the Temple community:

Planning for Temple’s spring Commencement activities is underway for 2021 graduation ceremonies. As has been true with much of our lives over the past year, we are doing this as the pandemic’s impact, and government restrictions on gatherings, continues to evolve.

Although it is unlikely that we will be able to host several thousand people at a single universitywide Commencement in the Liacouras Center, we are planning personal and meaningful in-person events for our graduates.

After hearing from students and their families what they want most, we are designing a series of school- and college-based graduation ceremonies to take place over several days on and around May 6, 2021. We want to make sure each graduating student can hear their name called, cross the stage and be recognized, if they choose to participate. Graduates who cannot attend the ceremonies in person will also be recognized by name if they choose.

Whether or not guests will be able to attend these ceremonies will depend on the state and city regulations in place at the time. For that reason, we ask that family and friends of graduates please hold on planning any travel relative to Commencement.

Regardless of how they are held, these ceremonies will be live-streamed so that everyone can watch from wherever they are. We are also planning a virtual universitywide Commencement ceremony on May 6 for all of our graduates and their families to see and enjoy.

As safety regulations evolve, we encourage you to check our Commencement 2021 website for the most up-to-date information. In addition, as each school finalizes its plans, you should expect to hear from your dean with specific details.

Finally, we want you to know that we could not be more proud of you and the perseverance you have shown during this pandemic. Life has not been easy for any of us, yet the Temple community has continued to come together and ensure that our lives as an academic community move forward with as much vibrancy and commitment as possible. 

Sincerely,

Richard M. Englert
President

JoAnne A. Epps
Executive Vice President and Provost