RMA Commencement Announcement

Dear Seniors, Parents, Faculty and Staff,

 

On the morning of March 13, 2020, when most cadets left for home, I pledged to the senior class that there would be a Commencement, but that I could not guarantee it would be on May 16. I stand by my pledge, but, following the prevailing guidance of health authorities, we have determined to officially postpone an in-person Commencement on the RMA campus as currently scheduled for May 16.

 

Some have suggested that we delay this decision to allow more time for conditions to resolve, but doing so would not be fair to families who need time to make travel arrangements for an event as significant as Commencement.

 

I have tasked the Battalion Commander, Areeb Ahmad, to survey the senior class to ascertain their preference for either a virtual Commencement on May 16 or an in-person Commencement at a later date. This event belongs to our seniors, and I want what they want for their special day. BC Ahmad’s survey will arrive in a separate email from him to each senior’s RMA email account. (Parents, you may wish to discuss your son’s survey response before he replies.) Fifty percent (50%) or more of the seniors must respond to the survey in order for me to give due consideration to the request. Seniors, please respond to your Battalion Commander’s survey as soon as you receive it. I would like to see the results by April 30 so that we may announce a decision and begin planning. 

 

Regarding diplomas and senior-class RMA yearbooks: On the same survey concerning Commencement exercise preference, seniors are asked to indicate the addresses that they wish their diploma to be sent as well as the address to which they want the yearbook sent (these may be different addresses.) The diploma will be sent only after the senior cadet has completed all requirements for academic and other Academy requirements, but not before May 16. The yearbook will be sent in early May. Official transcripts will be withheld until all accounts with the business office are reconciled/paid. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: While the vast majority of senior cadets have successfully transitioned to digital learning and remain on target to graduate in May, a few of the senior cadets have several remaining academic assignments to complete in order to be awarded a high school diploma. Please ensure your cadet remains on task in order to graduate on time with his fellow classmates.

 

Regardless of which commencement option you select by majority as a class, I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments however and whenever we can do so safely.