A letter to the Brock community from University President Gervan Fearon:

Dear Brock students,

About a week ago, I wrote to you about the need to consider new options for 2020 Spring Convocation. I have received many comments, questions and suggestions about how we might proceed.

I want to begin by thanking students, their parents and families for their thoughts and ideas. We are fortunate to have a community that cares so much about our students, the University and its traditions. I share your interest and admiration for the Class of 2020 and for the need to recognize your accomplishments.

Convocation is one of the most important and impactful events on the Brock calendar. It is an essential part of your student experience and a recognition of your years of sacrifice, hard work and triumph. The entire University community — including Brock faculty, staff, alumni, and certainly, its President — looks forward to Convocation each year.

Since last week, we have had further conversations with the Brock University Students’ Union and the Graduate Students’ Association, as well as with students, parents and our colleagues in the Registrar’s Office and on the Alumni team. What has become clear is that the Class of 2020 is eagerly awaiting further updates and details about our plans for Convocation.

I would like to provide you with an update. I am pleased to confirm that:

• Degrees will be conferred and parchments received according to our original timeline.

This is critical for students who are planning further studies or who are making career and future academic plans. We do not want current events to impede your progress.

• Graduands will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person celebration of their achievements at a later date.

I am pleased to confirm the University will plan a special and exciting event to celebrate graduands, their families, our faculty and staff. The date, location and time of this celebration will be confirmed once health officials permit large gatherings to again take place.

We have also been asked about the status of Fall Convocation. At this point, the information and advisories issued by public health and government officials suggest it’s too early to be able to confirm specifics about the fall. Gatherings of more than five people are not permitted in Ontario at this time. However, we will provide further updates once this information comes available.

Every aspect of our society has been impacted by the pandemic. We have dramatically changed the way we operate and conduct activities at the University.

However, despite these uncertainties, you have my commitment that we will take every step available to us to ensure that degrees are conferred this spring, and that you will have an opportunity to celebrate your achievements in person with your friends and family and with the faculty and staff who were a part of your Brock University experience.

At Brock, we appreciate your suggestions and our aim is to ensure your student experience is special and fulfilling. Thank you again for your understanding and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Gervan Fearon

President and Vice-Chancellor