[Agvisors] CALS Graduation update

[Sykes-Casavant, Gabrielle - (gms)]

Hello Agvisors,

CALS is exploring a multi-prong approach for celebrating/recognizing our May 2020 graduating students. One component of that approach is to create a digital graduation experience for May 2020 students. Please don't forward this message to your students as details are still being developed. I plan to update all graduating students on Wednesday, April 1.

However, I wanted to update advisors and departments now so that you're in the know and have every opportunity to participate.

CALS Undergraduate Digital Graduation

  *   Current planning team: CAS, CALS Branding & Marketing & Landmark Stories<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYAPDI37bxzWCXCi1Xm0m_A> (the award-winning documentary film team in CALS)
  *   Input received so far: Graduating student input (via this survey<https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eE83nI3MasaSAi9>) & information from the UA Commencement team
  *   Concept: CALS will have a single graduation video that includes, at a minimum, the following content:
     *   Message from the Dean
     *   Unit specific message from each of the directors/heads
        *   Landmark Stories will film these messages through Zoom (additional details will be shared this week)
     *   CALS Senior Speaker
     *   Outstanding Departmental Seniors + Outstanding College Senior
     *   Student submitted pictures, videos, thank you messages
  *   Delivery: The video will be live (or launched) on the same date and time that the in-person ceremony was scheduled for: Friday, May 15 at 2pm (Arizona time)
  *   Graduate Students: Our current thinking is to have two videos (and therefore two different experiences): one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. Additional details about the graduate student experience will be shared soon.

Next steps

  *   If you/a representative from your department would like to be part of the planning group please let me know asap.
  *   Also, if your department has/is considering creating your own video let me know as well. As a college, the goal is to create a high-quality professional graduation experience for all students, one that recognizes individual majors/departments and also maintains "traditional" ceremony features. Given our current context it's critical that we collectively invest our time and effort into creating a single dynamic graduation experience for the entire college.

Finally, a follow-up from the BookStores:

BookStores Response<http://shop.uabookstore.arizona.edu/main/wildcats/student/undergrad-caps-gowns>

"In response to the recent announcement by President Robbins regarding commencement, we want to share with you the actions we are taking to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

Spring 2020 GradFest originally scheduled for March 24-27 is cancelled but you can still get your commencement regalia, diploma frames, announcements, etc. to celebrate this milestone in your academic journey.

Regalia can be found online as a non-refundable purchase should you wish to purchase your cap and gowns for personal use such as your senior photos. We are also offering alumni merchandise. Effective immediately, we are offering $4.95 ground shipping on all orders purchased online. Please know that our staff is being extra cautious when handling your order by consistently keeping our hands washed.

We also understand if your plans have changed. Cap and gowns purchased before March 20, 2020 are eligible for full refunds in their original package. Unfortunately, due to the safety of our customers and staff, we cannot offer you a refund if they are not in the original packaging."


Gabrielle Sykes-Casavant
Assistant Director, Student Engagement & Retention
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
University of Arizona
Forbes 204F | PO Box 210036 |Tucson, AZ 85721-0036
(520) 621-1365


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