Coronavirus
‘This news is disappointing’: KU, MU, UMKC postpone spring graduations amid COVID-19
The University of Kansas and the University of Missouri System announced on Thursday they won’t hold in-person graduation ceremonies in May due to national social distancing guidelines that prevent gatherings of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.
UM System officials said this is the first time, as far as they know, that the university has postponed commencement since 1862, when the campus was closed due to the Civil War.
The schools join Kansas State University, which announced last month it was canceling its May ceremony.
The universities last month went to hosting all classes online to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Though we were hoping for a different outcome, it is now necessary that we also postpone Commencement, originally scheduled for May 15-17,” Mun Choi, University of Missouri System president and interim Mizzou chancellor, said in a memo to the Columbia campus community.
“We know this news is disappointing to our graduates and to all who helped them reach this important milestone.” He said that while “there is no substitute for the day many of you anticipated,” the university is planning an alternative way to honor the class of 2020.
In May, MU will host a virtual graduation, inviting alums from around the world to join remotely. And at a later date, graduates will be invited back to campus to participate in an in-person ceremony.
KU, which had scheduled spring graduation for May 17, is postponing the ceremony but said it has not yet developed a plan to reschedule.
“While we remain hopeful a summer or fall event will be possible, we must also recognize the reality that the pandemic may again impact this event,” Douglas Girod, KU chancellor, said in a memo to the campus Thursday.
UMKC said it would conduct a two-pronged commencement celebration, with May graduates invited to participate in both a virtual commencement in May and to walk the stage in traditional cap and gown in December.
K-State plans to combine its spring and fall 2020 commencements into a joint ceremony set for Dec. 11 and 12. Spring graduation was scheduled for May 9, 15 and 16.
“The decision to postpone commencement was not one that anyone took lightly,” said Chuck Taber, K-State’s provost. He said a group consisting of people from all academic colleges, including students, developed a proposal for how to celebrate graduates. And that plan was endorsed by campus deans.
The University of Central Missouri, Missouri State University and Northwest Missouri State University are also postponing their 2020 spring graduations but have not yet set new dates.
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