Commencement Survey Results

Dear Members of the Class of 2020 (and Winter Grads of 2019),

Thank you for the great response to the recent Commencement survey. More than half of you participated and shared your thoughts, hopes and concerns, and what we heard is the pride you take in your accomplishment and how deeply you care about this ceremony. Your disappointment in the postponement is shared by all of us.

The COVID-19 crisis may have disrupted our plans for a May ceremony, but it has not taken away your accomplishment. On May 16, you will become a UST graduate; your degree will be conferred. We all look forward to providing you and your families with a memorable walk across the stage, when safe to do so.

Please see results from the survey, and some feedback from us in response:
Statistically, you are closely split in your satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the date of December 13, and from your many comments, we learned:

  • You are disappointed in having to wait so long, and you wonder why we could not have postponed to a summer date like other universities such as UH, Rice, A&M, UT, etc.

  • Feedback: To accommodate over 5,000 guests who come to celebrate your achievement, UST must secure an off-campus venue, and Smart Financial Centre is one of the best in town. Other universities still hoping for a summer date have more flexibility with on-campus venues under their control. We looked into summer and early fall dates at Smart Financial Centre, but they are currently unavailable.

  • You are concerned that combining the number of Winter 2019, Fall 2020 and Winter 2020 graduates will mean less guest tickets for each of you.

  • Feedback: We will ensure that each graduate is allowed the same number of guests as in the past. The RSVP process will begin soon, which will allow event planners to predict the number of guest tickets needed to plan accordingly. Once the equitable allotment of tickets has been confirmed, graduates with large families will be given the opportunity to request additional tickets.

  • Smaller ceremonies during the summer months would be preferred, so long as you and your families have enough notice to plan and secure travel accommodations. Your comments tell us you would enjoy on-campus events such as hooding and pinning ceremonies or smaller commencement ceremonies by school or cohort.

  • Feedback: Due to your instructive response, other options will be considered, if safe to gather during the summer months. Winter Commencement on December 13 will also remain an option for those who are satisfied with the date. While we wait to learn more about the course of the pandemic, we look forward a future where we can plan. We will keep in touch with you!

A large majority of you do not want an on-line ceremony.

  • You truly want the big walk across the stage, a ceremony worthy of your accomplishment.

  • Feedback: We agree! We want to watch you walk across that stage and we want your friends and families to be there when you do it. In addition, our event team is thinking of fun and creative ways to recognize you on-line in May – not to replace Commencement – but a meaningful shout-out or post on your behalf. If you have any ideas, we would love to hear from you.
Right now, a new commencement portal is being created to allow you to RSVP for Commencement and request guest tickets, order rings, caps and gowns, and ensure we have updated mailing addresses for diplomas and other mailings. It will also be your resource for FAQ’s and a place you can get updates, ask questions and receive answers. Look for an email from us in the coming weeks to get started.

You, the Class of 2020 will be shaped by this global crisis. You are innovative, creative, caring and bold. You are resilient, and will do good things with your lives and careers. UST leadership and the University Events team is determined to give you a spectacular Commencement ceremony when safe to do so.

Please remember we are in this together, and we care about you. In the meanwhile, be safe, stay positive, take care of each other and if you need help , please see the links below.
Career Services
If you are concerned about your job search or need assistance with virtual and on-line hiring practices and opportunities, please email UST Career Services at careerservices@stthom.edu . They are standing by to help you and answer questions.

Celt Care Hardship Award
Students experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 related changes may apply for a Celt Care Hardship Award. Awards of up to $1,000/academic year will be considered to cover hardships such as, but not limited to the following:
  • Laptops and internet access for those whose coursework cannot be completed due to lack of either
  • Immediate support for students facing housing challenges or food insecurity
  • Funds for students who have lost wages or jobs they depend on to pay for their education and support themselves or their families
  • Resources for students who need emergency medical and mental health services
Applications are already being received and reviewed.
University of St. Thomas - Houston
3800 Montrose Blvd. l Houston, Texas 77006
713-942-5962 l ustevents@stthom.edu

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