Members of the class of 2020 said they were looking forward to the commencement activities as celebrations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Commencement and the Senior Toast were originally postponed until Aug. 7-8, but the university decided cancel the events based on the recent spike in COVID-19 cases and guidance from local health officials. Chancellor Victor Boschini announced the changes in an email to graduates and their families July 6.

“I’m incredibly saddened about the commencement being canceled because it was the one thing I was looking forward to over the past few months with everything going on,” said TCU alumna Skylar Frazier.

Boschini’s video message to the class of 2020.

Frazier said she understands the decision behind the cancellation but hopes commencement could still take place with “stricter regulations” sometime in the future.

“I would love graduation to be rescheduled rather than moved to virtual because I want closure with my TCU experience, professors, and peers,” said Frazier.

Alumna Taylor Gunn said as time progressed, she became concerned about the potential issues that would occur if her family attended the ceremony, considering the spike in COVID-19 cases in the Fort Worth area.

“I would love to see TCU do something to make up for the commencement cancellation or do something virtual because so many schools have already done that,” said Gunn.   

TCU will not host a virtual ceremony in place of the in-person commencement, according to the commencement website. However, TCU will mail graduates the deluxe diploma cover they would have received at the ceremony, along with the commencement program and a tassel.

“Your faculty and staff still plan to celebrate you appropriately when it is safe to do so,” Boschini said in the email. “Until that time, we are proud to welcome you to a larger community of successful and ethical leaders we call alumni.”