Seton Hill details commencement that celebrates class of 2021 and last year's graduates

After last year’s ceremony was largely upended due to the covid-19 pandemic, leaders with Seton Hill University are working to ensure the class of 2020 will be celebrated during the 2021 commencement ceremony.

In a letter sent to members of the Seton Hill community, university President Mary Finger said, “While we are still working out many details, I am pleased to share with you that we are planning an in-person commencement for May 22 that will celebrate both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020.”

The decision came after last year’s ceremony was tentatively postponed until August due to the covid-19 pandemic. However, by July a spike in covid cases caused school leaders to cancel the event, instead encouraging graduates to participate in the December or May commencement ceremonies, according to the university’s website.

As university leaders plan for this year’s commencement ceremony, they are also working out plans for next year’s classes following a year that has been far from normal. According to Finger, while about 90% of classes were conducted face-to-face this year, there was a mix of hybrid and online learning due to the pandemic.

Finger noted that she is hopeful the school can return to a traditional semester format next year for classes, student activities and athletic events.

“Certainly, Seton Hill will continue to follow the health and safety protocols outlined by the CDC and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” she said of next year’s classes. “However, we believe that with the downward trend of cases of the virus and the increase in vaccination rates, that Seton Hill will be able to provide a safe living and learning environment that resembles normal conditions.”

She added that as covid-related restrictions are lifted, “we all must be deliberate in working together to keep our campus community healthy and safe.”