Mississippi State University has moved to online classes for the remainder of the spring semester and postponed commencement in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
University officials announced the move in an email Tuesday, saying the decisions are in accordance with guidance from Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi State Department of Health.
University officials plan to discuss and hold events honoring MSU graduates once the national emergency is over.
“Commencement is one of MSU’s most meaningful and cherished traditions, one that our students and their families have earned,” the email said. “As an institution, MSU remains committed to celebrating our graduates at a safe and appropriate time.”
Mississippi University for Women, which previously announced the move to online classes for the remainder of the semester, postponed its commencement as well.
“This decision follows the recommendation from the Institutions of Higher Learning that we plan for alternatives to our traditional May ceremonies in accordance with CDC and Mississippi State Department of Health guidelines,” MUW President Nora Miller said in an announcement on the university’s website Wednesday.
“These ceremonies are meaningful celebrations of our students’ accomplishments,” she added. “Postponing these events is in the best interests of our graduates and their families. We will joyfully celebrate our graduates when it is safe for us to do so.”
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