Bowling Green State University is rescheduling its August and December commencements.
In letter to the university community, President Rodney Rogers said the ceremonies are “delayed, not canceled.”
The university will host in-person commencement ceremonies to honor all 2020 graduates at a future, yet-to-be determined date. The May graduation had also been delayed.
“Unfortunately, given the recent health orders and guidance from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, along with our commitment to following the science, we must reschedule our August and December in-person commencement ceremonies in the best interest of public health,” Rogers wrote.
“We remain committed that the Class of 2020 deserves the momentous opportunity to walk across the commencement stage. Until then, we are planning virtual events to celebrate the significant accomplishments of our graduates.”
These decisions are difficult to make, but the health and safety of the university community required the move, Rogers said.
The December commencement exercises would face similar challenges.
“Bringing together a large group back to our campus, at an enclosed indoor facility, with visitors and students across the nation, does not meet the health and safety expectation we have for BGSU,” according to Rogers.
The schedule for the fall semester calls for students to leave campus the week of Thanksgiving and complete the final week of classes and take their exams online.
The fall semester begins Aug. 26.
