2021 CSE Commencement Message from the Dean - March 23, 2021

Dear CSE bachelor’s degree candidates,

Over the last several days, we’ve heard from some of you and your family members about your concerns regarding the College of Science and Engineering's plans for a collegewide virtual commencement this year. As we mentioned in individual emails to some of you, we are extremely disappointed not to be able to celebrate such a special collegewide event together in-person with you, your family, and your friends. This is also the case with several other large colleges at the University of Minnesota.

We have been exploring many possibilities that take into consideration the ever-changing pandemic and constantly evolving safety guidelines. While we cannot have a collegewide celebration, we have been considering smaller, in-person events.

CSE Department Celebrations - May 10, 11, 12

Over the last few weeks, we have been working with our academic departments and exploring venues to arrange for in-person, department-based celebrations that will meet all safety guidelines outlined by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health. These planning discussions were in progress prior to the CSE virtual commencement announcement. 

At this time, we are planning for individual department celebrations on Monday, May 10, Tuesday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 12 at McNamara Alumni Center. 

Each department will select a time on one of these days that attempts to minimize the number of their students with final exam conflicts. Celebrations will be about one or one-and-a-half hours per department, with one-hour clean up and reset in between events. We are working on the schedule for these department celebrations and hope to share more information with you in the coming days.

While several details are still being determined, capacity will be limited during these department celebrations, and the event will be streamed live for family and friends. Masks and social distancing will be required both outdoors and indoors given current protocols. No food or beverages will be served. There will be no hand shaking. We expect that you will be able to cross the stage, and a professional photographer will be available to take your photo.

Watch your email

In the coming weeks, you will receive more specific details about these department celebrations. I ask you to watch your email carefully and respond in a timely manner to any requests for information.

If you have further questions, please contact csecommencement@umn.edu or visit cse.umn.edu/commencement.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation.

Best regards,

Mos Kaveh, Dean
College of Science and Engineering
University of Minnesota