Shippensburg University announced spring commencement plans in an email sent to seniors Friday.
One ceremony at Seth Grove Stadium was originally scheduled for May 15 before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic gripped the world. When university officials delayed the spring 2020 semester a week in January, the calendar change pushed final exams week to May 17-21. Class of 2021 seniors will celebrate their graduation on May 15, according to the email sent to seniors.
The university will offer two ceremony options. Graduates can choose between having one carload of guests at a drive-in ceremony similar to the spring 2020 ceremony held in August, or have two guests attend a ceremony in person at Seth Grove Stadium. Ceremonies for both graduates and undergraduates will be May 15 and May 16 as the rain date, the email said.
Guests who attend in person will be required to wear masks and sit socially distanced.
Officials said these options allow accommodation for different levels of comfort attendees may have with public exposure.
Graduates have until March 19 to make a decision and fill out a form on the university website. Seniors will then receive an email on March 31 indicating what time officials will hold their ceremony. Officials also said that commencement ceremonies will adhere to all university, state, federal and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) coronavirus regulations.
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