Message Regarding Commencement from Dean Camille Nelson

March 30,2020

Dear AUWCL Students,

Dean Camille Nelson
Dean Camille Nelson

I hope you are well. I know that we are all doing our best to stay as healthy as possible in these challenging times. I want to take a moment to thank you for making our transition to online courses so seamless. I realize this was not the spring semester any of us envisioned, but you continue to demonstrate  incredible strength and resilience during this very difficult time.

As always, your health and well-being are our top priority. To that end, it is with a heavy heart that I reiterate President Burwell’s announcement regarding Commencement. The University will move Commencement online. Members of the Class of 2020 will also be invited to a special dedicated ceremony in December 2020 that will feature all of the celebrations of Commencement.

I know that this is extremely disappointing news for you and for everyone who has supported you throughout your law school journey. The entire Washington College of Law community is equally disappointed, as we also look forward to seeing our graduates celebrate with their loved ones at spring Commencement. On a personal level, I have always found commencement to be a moving celebration recognizing your efforts and accomplishments, and an uplifting occasion as you start the next stage of your professional lives. Your tremendous accomplishments of the past three to four years deserve to be celebrated! We will work to ensure that the Commencement activities we offer the class of 2020 – both online in May and at a special ceremony in December – are worthy of the hard work you have dedicated to completing your studies at WCL. Additional information regarding revised plans to celebrate your achievements will be shared with you as soon as possible.

In the meantime, stay safe and take care of yourselves. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me and my leadership team if you need additional assistance as the semester continues. We are here for you.

With best wishes,

Camille Nelson,
Dean and Professor of Law