Dear Members of the Yale College Class of 2020,
I write to share the disappointing, although likely not unexpected, news that we will not be able to welcome you back to campus this year to celebrate your 2020 graduation. At the same time, I want to reassure you of our continued commitment to bring the Yale College Class of 2020 back to campus as soon as public health guidelines, travel limitations, and other restrictions allow.
When we were required to cancel Commencement last year at the beginning of the pandemic, we promised that you would return to campus to celebrate your remarkable accomplishments when it was safe to do so. Although public health conditions are improving, a safe return is not possible this year.
While the end of the pandemic is in sight, and the vaccine roll out is going well, our public health experts have advised that the timing for vaccines to be administered and take full effect and concerns about emerging strains of the virus that are highly infectious are reasons for continued caution.
The State of Connecticut has increased the capacity allowed for social gatherings, but the expanded number of guests allowed is still not sufficient to host all members of the Class of 2020 who might like to come to campus and your families. Current policies on campus, including no food or alcohol, and no normal parties or gatherings, would restrict your social activities.
We reaffirm our commitment to welcoming you back to Yale to celebrate your academic accomplishments and friendships once the pandemic is behind us and you and your classmates can travel from all over the world to New Haven. In the meantime, we will work with your class leaders to help guide planning and to seek your input.
With best wishes for your health, safety, and happiness,
Kimberly M. Goff-Crews
Secretary and Vice President for University Life