Campus update from Chancellor Christ

• A virtual campuswide commencement on May 15, 2021, that will include speeches and the conferring of degrees.
• An in-person, student-only procession at the Greek Theatre from May 16-20, 2021, to honor a cherished part of graduation. Only a certain number of graduates will be permitted to cross the stage per hour to maintain safety, and no guests, including family, will be allowed in the theater or on campus.
• Virtual graduations organized by individual schools, colleges, departments, or student organizations.

The number one question I hear is, “Why can’t we celebrate in person?” As a public university, we must adhere to local, state, and national health guidelines. While the vaccine is becoming more available and circumstances may improve by May, it takes months to plan a ceremony for some 60,000 visitors from around the world. We cannot predict what the guidelines will recommend for that time, yet we are committed to celebrating our graduates in as safe, equitable, and shareable a way as possible. We believe the virtual commencement and in-person, student-only procession are the best solutions. Visit commencement.berkeley.edu for the latest updates.

Berkeley’s graduate students are at the heart of our excellence, driving original research and mentoring undergraduates. We are not the only ones who noticed. Ten graduate schools or programs placed among the nation’s top 10 in the prestigious rankings released last week by U.S. News & World Report. They included English, sociology, engineering, public policy, and business.

California poppies now dot our landscape, their golden petals, which open and close with the sun, revealing their association with light. May you find light in your days.

Fiat Lux, and Go Bears!

Carol Christ
Chancellor