The COVID-19 outbreak has caused the cancellation of commencement ceremonies for Utah public institutions.
University of Utah
SALT LAKE CITY-In a statement from University of Utah president Ruth V. Watkins, senior vice president for academic affairs Daniel Reed and senior vice president for health sciences Michael Good, the University of Utah will postpone all commencement ceremonies.
This decision was made collectively by all members of the Utah System of Higher Education and with clear guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discouraging travel and large gatherings.
The statement confirms the university will do all it can to determine how and when rescheduled events can occur.
Those concerned may send questions to svpaa@utah.edu.
Dixie State University
ST. GEORGE, Utah-Dixie State University confirmed it is postponing commencement ceremonies to safeguard the health of graduates, loved ones and the entire campus community. Authorities at the university seek to create a plan that will not only honor graduates but keep them safe as well.
Southern Utah University
CEDAR CITY, Utah-Southern Utah University president Scott L. Wyatt released a video on YouTube that the state of Utah has postponed all commencement ceremonies for public schools of higher learning in the Beehive State. Wyatt expressed sincere pathos at this postponement because his wife, Kathy, was going to graduate after laboring 35 years to achieve her bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, their daughter was slated to graduate with her. Wyatt gave his word that he would find a way to celebrate the achievements of graduates at the Cedar City-based university.
Snow College
EPHRAIM/RICHFIELD, Utah-Snow College will postpone or cancel commencement on both the Ephraim and Richfield campus locations. The Emergency Operations Team is exploring options and a final announcement will be made on or before April 1, 2020. Students will not be held responsible for the cost of the caps and the gowns ordered. They may still purchase them from the campus store if desired.
Utah Valley University
OREM, Utah-Utah Valley University confirms that despite the postponement of commencement ceremonies, a new date will be announced as swiftly as possible. Planning is currently underway and additional details will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Salt Lake Community College
SALT LAKE CITY-Salt Lake Community College personnel confirmed their hope that commencement will only be postponed and not canceled. The hopeful expectation for SLCC is that this event occur in early summer. Those interested are asked to check the commencement Web page (http://www.slcc.edu/commencement/index.aspx) for all the latest information on the matter.
Weber State University
OGDEN, Utah-Weber State University has already sought for options to reschedule their commencement ceremonies to honor their graduates. The Ogden-based university confirms an announcement will be made as soon as possible. Graduation processing at Weber State will continue as per usual. Diplomas will arrive in the mail upon the submission of final grades and as degrees are processed. Students with any questions can reach out to their academic advisers at weber.edu/advisors.
Utah State University
LOGAN, Utah-Utah State University has canceled all commencement ceremonies. This includes ceremonies at its flagship campus in Logan, the Utah State University-Eastern campus in Price and all of its satellite campuses scattered throughout the state, including the Heber City campus. All applicants for graduation will be notified of possible future celebrations and/or events. For more details, visit this link: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-cancels-commencement-ceremonies-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.
Westminster College
SALT LAKE CITY-Westminster College has postponed its commencement ceremonies. All graduate program pinning and hood ceremonies are tentatively postponed. For more information, visit this link: https://westminstercollege.edu/about/resources/commencement
Brigham Young University
PROVO, Utah-As a private institution owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University, under the Church’s direction, has canceled commencement ceremonies.
