TEXT OF PRESIDENT McCORMICK'S FEBRUARY 13, 2012 RESPONSE TO REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON CHARGE A-0906B, ACADEMIC CALENDAR, COMMENCEMENT DATES, PART 2 - PERMANENT CHANGE OF COMMENCEMENT DATES

I am writing in response to the Report and Recommendations on Charge A-0906B on the Permanent Change of Commencement Dates, as adopted by the University Senate on January 27, 2012. I thank the members of the Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee for their attention to this issue.

My administration is pleased with the Senate's authorization to move University Commencement to the Sunday immediately following the end of the spring final exam period for spring 2013 and beyond. By copy of this letter, I am asking Secretary of the University, Leslie Fehrenbach, to proceed with planning the commencement ceremonies to reflect that permanent change. I appreciate the careful review and evaluation conducted by the committee before making its final recommendation to the Senate on the timing of this important University celebration.