Shippensburg University officials struggled to create a safe environment for the spring 2020 graduation ceremony because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, eventually holding it last August in the commuter parking lot next to the Ship Rec.
With the pandemic still raging last fall, which meant an indoor ceremony would be impossible, and the logistics of holding an outdoor ceremony difficult to manage, it was decided to forego the December 2020 ceremony.
Now, after a rumor began circulating on campus, many students are concerned about the cancellation of future winter graduation ceremonies.
According to Kim Garris, vice president of external relations and communications, the university’s budget and finance council discussed eliminating winter commencement a year ago.
This was one of many ideas brought up during a discussion about how to balance the university’s budget, Garris said.
No decision was made and the idea was “tabled,” according to Garris.
“No final decision would be made without and discussion and consultation with students,” Garris said.
Garris added that details and the date for the spring 2021 commencement are on track to be announced in March.
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