Dear Members of the PCOM Community:
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that our traditional Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine and Commencement Exercises, to be held this May in Philadelphia
and in Georgia, will be canceled. PCOM Georgia Biomedical Sciences students, who are
on a different academic schedule, will receive notification about alternative Commencement
plans. Given the directives of public health and government agencies regarding the
coronavirus outbreak, it is inconceivable that we could convene such a large gathering
this spring.
I am truly saddened that we had to make this decision, but we feel the need to protect the health and well-being of our graduates, their families and friends, and the larger College community during this uncertain time.
It will be a little longer before we know the details, but we do intend to give the Class of 2020 as full a celebration as possible. The College is in the process of working with student representatives to develop alternative celebratory plans. We will be communicating updates soon.
Now is a difficult moment. Thank you for working together to do what is right even though it means altering traditions we all cherish. Change does not take away the pride we hold as we recognize our graduating students and their countless successes and profound contributions to the life of our community.
Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81
President and Chief Executive Officer
We will work with student representatives and administration to determine the best possible option for our graduates. Know that we will make every effort to help you celebrate this incredible accomplishment.
These changes apply to the PCOM DO Program and the PCOM Georgia DO and PharmD commencement programs. PCOM Georgia Biomedical Sciences students, who are on a different academic schedule, will receive notification about alternative Commencement plans.
Student Affairs is aware of how important this day is for our graduates. While the ceremony cannot go on as initially planned, we are committed to working with the class leadership to make sure that you are acknowledged and celebrated.
The Administration understands the sacrifices that the Class of 2020 has had to endure as a result of the COVID-19. We are open to discussions about what we can do to commemorate this class's resiliency during this pandemic.
Our goal is to look at options to recognize each graduate.
Having the speaker provide a commencement address is still an option. Once we decide on how to move forward, we will explore the options for the commencement speaker to address the students by video.
Students are eligible to receive their diplomas on or after the date originally identified for commencement. Student Affairs will work with the Registrar's Office to identify a plan for distribution.
Yes, Student Affairs will work out a plan to ensure that each student receives their regalia.
Yes the plan is still to provide each graduate with a commencement program that they can share with their families.
We know and value the important place the Dinner Dance holds for our students. Unfortunately the Dinner Dance will be canceled. Again we will work with your leadership to determine how we can acknowledge the class and the award recipients.
Acknowledging the military students will also be a part of the discussion we have with class leadership. We will make every effort to recognize their service.
Traditionally we have not allowed a graduate to speak during the ceremony, we think it only right that, under these most unusual circumstances, we will allow a representative from the class to address the class, congratulate you for your accomplishments and thank you for your understanding.
For additional information please contact studentaffairs@pcom.edu.
