College commencement ceremonies are being postponed and rescheduled statewide.

Many college students are hanging up their cap and gown for now with the outbreak of COVID-19 preventing colleges from hosting graduations. Administrations are finding options that allow graduates to still celebrate their accomplishments, even if it wasn’t the initial plan.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College postponed its commencement ceremonies until Aug. 4 for all three campuses. A joint ceremony for all three campuses will be held on the Wesson campus.

Public colleges and universities have made various decisions regarding graduation.

Mississippi State University will stream a virtual commencement ceremony May 1. As of now, an additional option is to have Spring 2020 graduates participate in the December ceremony.

The University of Southern Mississippi has postponed their spring commencement ceremony. Graduates have the option of participating in August or December commencement ceremonies.

The University of Mississippi, Mississippi Valley State University, Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and the Mississippi University for Women have postponed their commencement ceremonies, but the colleges have not rescheduled anything for a later date.

Private colleges and universities have also made various decisions regarding graduation.

Mississippi College, Millsap College, William Carey University and Blue Mountain College’s spring commencement ceremonies have been postponed and have not yet been rescheduled.

Belhaven University postponed their commencement ceremony and has looked at possible dates in October. If students are unable to attend the October date, they are invited to attend the December commencement.

 

Story by Gracie Byrne