Commencement

Commencement 2021

Class of 2021, you have risen above the challenges that led to this moment in time. This moment where we celebrate the completion of your successful journey to becoming a physician. We know last year was demanding, but you persevered and reached this amazing and memorable milestone.  

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the health and safety of our students, colleagues and wider community continues to be of utmost importance to us. While the development of vaccines has brought hope, the increase in cases and uncertainty surrounding the vaccine roll-out highlights the need for us to remain patient as we await pandemic relief. As a University training the healthcare leaders of tomorrow, and for you as future physicians, it is our collective responsibility to lead by example and continue minimizing the risks of COVID-19. For that reason, the Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) Class of 2021 Commencement ceremony will be celebrated virtually on Saturday, May 22, 2021. 

Commencement is a monumental event and you, the graduating Class of 2021, deserve your day. You have weathered not only the current pandemic, but also a hurricane that shifted your academic home from Dominica to a ship off St. Kitts, to a temporary location in Tennessee and finally to Barbados. As much as I would like to congratulate you in person, we will need to celebrate differently. RUSM has organized a virtual ceremony that will bring all graduates together online for a celebration of your hard work, determination and success in earning your medical degree. Now more than ever, we are profoundly proud of your decision to enter the medical field and your commitment to serve your communities and patients. While a virtual event can’t take the place of an in-person ceremony, you deserve a celebration of your accomplishments and we look forward to creating a special virtual experience. We will share more details soon. 

We understand that some may prefer an in-person ceremony to be held outside or pushed further out to the Fall, and that is something we considered when making our decision. But we didn’t want to delay your celebration with the uncertainties surrounding infection rates, new viral variants and prompt vaccination delivery, in addition to the need for social distancing. We also understand you may not have the opportunity to travel to Miami later for reasons that include new jobs or residencies. And while we have great optimism that we have a turned the corner with this pandemic, we must continue to be diligent to do our part and minimize any risks for our students and families. With more than 5,000 people in attendance, the safety and health of you and your families are the primary motivations for hosting a virtual ceremony rather than delaying an in-person event of this magnitude. A virtual ceremony provides an opportunity for every deserving graduate to mark this occasion and personal milestone. 

Commencement is a special day for all our graduates and their families. To honor the class of 2021, we would like to donate to a charity in your name. We will soon ask for your input in selecting the charity. RUSM will also cover the costs of your regalia fees. Order instructions will soon be provided. If you have questions or suggestions regarding the virtual celebration, please view the commencement section of our COVID-19 frequently asked questions page or email the RUSM Events Team. Together, we’ll do our best to make May 22, 2021, a day to celebrate. We hope you and your families will participate in our virtual ceremony with the full knowledge that we consider this class to be as extraordinary as the times we are living.