93rd Annual College of Marin
Commencement and Transfer Recognition
You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals—let’s celebrate!
President’s Message
On behalf of the entire College of Marin community, I congratulate you on reaching this milestone in your education and accomplishing this during a semester of unprecedented challenges.
This is the first virtual commencement ceremony in the College’s rich history. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to come together as we have for the past 92 years to celebrate the success and accomplishments of our students. Gathering in celebration is an important way we create community. While we find ourselves gathering in new and different ways this year, the College of Marin community will always be here for you.
Most achievements are not accomplished alone. Parents, spouses, partners, children, family members, friends, and mentors may have played a significant role in our graduates’ success. I also want to assure you that our faculty, staff, and administration are proud of your accomplishments. During your time at College of Marin, they’ve shared their knowledge, skills, encouragement, their belief in the power of education. Know they are cheering you on from home.
While you may have had help and support, you have reached this point through your own hard work. You pursued your dream. You made the commitment. And you made the sacrifices. It was through your grit and determination that you attained your goal.
I applaud each of you, and with you go my fondest hopes for your happiness and immense success in all that you do. Although you are graduating and moving on, you are always welcome here. I look forward to hearing of your many successes in the years to come.
Congratulations!
Sincerely,
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT FAQ
What is a Virtual Commencement and Transfer Recognition?
College of Marin’s virtual commencement will be available on a ceremony webpage that can be viewed and visited at any time. Graduates and transfer-eligible students will receive an email invitation to create an account and upload a picture and a message that will be used to create a slide for each student. A professional name reader will read your name, and the slide can be saved and shared on social media.
You may choose to watch the slide ceremony in its entirety, or you can search the slides for you and your friends and share the recognition. The commencement website will also include a downloadable commencement program as well as special messages from College of Marin’s Superintendent/President, the President of the Marin Community College District Board of Trustees, and the President of Associated Students of College of Marin (ASCOM).
How do I participate in the virtual ceremony?
Graduates and transfer-eligible students will receive an email invitation to create an account. Then, you will upload a picture and a message that will be used to create your individual slide. Slides can be viewed any time on the ceremony webpage. When you bring your slide up, your name is announced by a professional name reader. Individual slides can also be saved and shared on your social media accounts.
If you are eligible for graduation or transfer and did not receive an email invitation to participate in the virtual ceremony, contact commencement@marin.edu.
What if I am transferring this fall without a degree?
Students who plan to transfer without earning a degree in Fall of 2020 are invited to participate in the Virtual Commencement and Transfer Recognition. If you would like to participate simply email your full name to commencement@marin.edu to receive an email invitation.
When will I be able to access the virtual ceremony webpage?
Students who register will receive an invitation to the ceremony webpage as soon as it is available. To allow as many graduate and transfer students the opportunity to participate, the ceremony webpage is scheduled to go live on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. The public link to the virtual ceremony webpage will be posted online and will be available for students and their friends and families until May 2021.
Will I need to wear a graduation robe or other regalia in my photo?
No. You are not required to wear a graduation robe or other regalia for the photo you upload to the virtual commencement website.
Can I still purchase regalia even though I’m not required to wear it?
Regalia and other graduation accessories may be ordered through the College of Marin Bookstore.
Why is College of Marin hosting a virtual ceremony?
Current local, state, and federal guidance either bans or significantly restricts large in-person events, so an in-person ceremony is not possible at this time. While we would prefer a traditional in-person ceremony, the College felt it was important to recognize the achievements of our students. Faculty and staff will be cheering for you virtually, too!
Why not postpone the in-person ceremony?
Recent guidance from the state has suggested that restrictions on large events may continue until at least the end of the year. This makes postponement with a reliable timeframe impossible at this time. After consulting with ASCOM leaders, College of Marin leadership agreed that moving forward with a virtual ceremony was the best way to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and transfer students, given the circumstances.
Are 2020 graduates and transfer students eligible to participate in the 2021 Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony?
Yes. Graduates and transfer students from 2020 and 2021 will be invited to participate in the ceremony scheduled for late May 2021, contingent upon public health guidelines.
When will I receive my diploma?
Spring diplomas will be sent to students via U.S. mail after degrees and certificates are certified. Expect to receive your diploma in early August.
Can I still receive a diploma cover?
Yes. 2020 graduates and transfer students will be able to pick up a diploma cover as soon as local public health officials determine it is reasonably safe for people to return to campus.