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Some US Colleges Cancel, Postpone Graduation Over Virus

Associated Press

   BOSTON - Colleges across the U.S. have begun canceling and curtailing
   graduation amid fears that the coronavirus pandemic will stretch into
   spring. Some are exploring "virtual" alternatives, while others are
   considering inviting seniors back for commencement at a later date or
   just mailing out diplomas.

   Schools including Brigham Young University, the Savannah College of Art
   and Design and Berea College are among those telling students that
   current commencement ceremonies have been canceled. But dozens of other
   schools say it's too soon to decide, leaving families uncertain about
   whether to book flights and hotels and students wondering whether to
   purchase caps and gowns for the walk across the stage.

   The graduation decision is being made as colleges scramble to move
   instruction online and send students home, a move being made by dozens
   of schools in an attempt to curb spread of the virus. The list of those
   moving to the web continued to grow Thursday, with schools from
   Southern Methodist University to the University of Alaska making the
   change.

   At Grinnell College in Iowa, which is sending students home this month,
   officials said there will be no "traditional" graduation ceremony.
   Instead, the school is mulling how it could honor graduating seniors in
   an online ceremony. Officials are also debating whether to bring
   seniors back in 2021 and offer a ceremony for two classes at once.

   "We want to be celebrate and cherish our students," said Anne Harris,
   dean and vice president for academic affairs at the private school of
   1,700 students. "But we were following the logic: If we're sending
   everybody out, why would we bring everybody back in?"

   Some students say they understand the need for caution but would feel
   robbed if they missed a milestone that they spent years working to
   reach.

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