Registrar

Message from President Ricketts, January 11, 2021

Dear Class of 2021,

The past nine months have been a whirlwind as the global coronavirus pandemic has challenged us in many ways. Acadia faculty and students have had to ‘pivot’ to new and different ways to teach and learn, and we have all had to adapt to new ways of living and interacting in our communities.

The pandemic descended upon Acadia and the rest of North America in March. In the early days, there was some hope it might wane somewhat with the warmer spring weather. Sadly, that hope was never realized, and Acadia was forced to postpone the 2020 convocation and activities.

While no one can know the future, we can anticipate ongoing uncertainties and disruptions to our lives thanks to the pandemic. This cruel reality notwithstanding, I want to let you know that my colleagues and I – along with the Class Presidents for ’20 and ’21 – are beginning to explore options to allow for a version of convocation in the spring of 2021 – whether entirely virtual or a hybrid approach enabling some in-person participation.

Whatever is planned will provide opportunity for participation from both the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. Activities will undoubtedly be streamlined and will not follow the pattern we are accustomed to at Acadia, but we will enrich the experience by incorporating as many of the traditional elements as possible.

Specific dates have not yet been confirmed, but any events planned (be they virtual or in-personal) will essentially follow the schedule outlined in the academic calendar, between May 8th and 11th.

As has been the case since the beginning, maintaining public health and safety will inform our decision-making and Acadia will comply with all directives issued by public health authorities. Regardless of the final plan, it may prove unreasonable to expect that we will be able to gather in large numbers in May, so it is entirely possible that family members and friends will be obliged to celebrate your success remotely.

Thank you for your patience and perseverance. Though members of the Class of 2020 are already part of the broader Alumni Family and are making us proud, they have earned the right to celebrate, and be celebrated, for earning their Acadia degrees. And likewise, the Class of 2021 is the first class in our 182-year history to achieve academic success in a hybrid teaching environment. No matter the year, your resilience and determination will serve you well.

I will be in touch in the winter with more information as plans take shape. In the meantime, I wish you a happy new year!

Regards,
Peter

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Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor
Acadia University
15 University Avenue, Room 216
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Canada B4P 2R6