As universities across Pennsylvania move their classes online, the fate of graduation ceremonies for many seniors remains uncertain.
Shippensburg University announced it would postpone May’s commencement ceremony amid the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus across the region Wednesday afternoon.
The ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students were originally scheduled for May 8 and 9. However, due to the virus, these dates are pushed back indefinitely until the virus is under control, according to SU officials.
In a video sent to students, SU President Laurie Carter expressed her sadness in postponing the ceremonies, but said the seniors’ achievements will not go uncelebrated.
“You have worked hard and deserve this celebration, Carter said. “As soon as we are able, we will let you know when we can conduct an official commencement ceremony.”
A Student Government Association committee is working to plan a senior celebration to best celebrate the class of 2020, according to Carter.
Additionally, President Carter is asking seniors to voice their ideas about how to best celebrate their graduating class. Seniors can submit ideas for senior week and senior celebrations online at ship.edu/senior_celebration/. Participants will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
These events will honor the original May graduation date until an in-person commencement ceremony can be organized later in the calendar year, according to Carter.
For more information on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the university, visit ship.edu/coronavirus.
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