2020/3/4

All graduates,
All guarantors and family members,

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies and Kyoto Junior College of Foreign Languages has determined that, in consideration of the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus and the possibility of its transmission from person to person, we must recognize the "clear and present danger" in this school and its surroundings. As such, the March 2020 graduation Ceremony and Certificate Award Ceremony of the Graduate School, the University, the Junior College, and the Japanese Studies Center for International Students have been canceled.

The diplomas and certificates of completion will be presented on the day of graduation by the head of each department. They will be presented in classrooms at this university at different times according to Faculty, department and graduate course. Admission is limited to those who are graduating. Although it differs from that of a typical year, we will use the format stated above to have a day that celebrates the formal start of your journey into the world.

For graduates, the Graduation Ceremony is one of life's major milestones. It is a time when they reflect on all the barriers they have overcome in their studies as they face the next step. Faculty members also see the Graduation Ceremony as a valuable occasion during which they can share that joy. KUFS has been continually monitoring the domestic spread of the infection while preparing to go on with the ceremonies. However, in the current situation, we consider the safety and health of the graduates, guarantors, family members, and faculty members to come first and have decided to avoid having a large number of people assemble in one place.

We realize that the graduates have been awaiting the day they would celebrate with their friends, and that their guarantors and family have also been waiting with profound feelings, looking forward to seeing their children take part in the ceremonies. Understanding those feelings well, it was a painful decision to cancel the ceremonies. We hope that you will understand and continue to offer your support.

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