Coastal Carolina University postpones on-campus graduation ceremonies due to coronavirus
Editor’s Note: This story was updated after the CCU president’s message online was altered from originally stating on-campus commencement was canceled. The change was confirmed by a university spokeswoman.
Coastal Carolina University has postponed its traditional on-campus spring commencement ceremonies due to coronavirus, the university announced Thursday evening.
The message from University President David DeCenzo stated that this decision came after South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster updated his recommendations for colleges and universities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Planning is underway to commemorate the spring Class of 2020 by presenting degrees in a virtual fashion, DeCenzo wrote, noting that he’d be sending messages to graduation degree candidates in the near future.
CCU previously extended its spring break in response to the virus and announced all future classes for the spring semester will take place online beginning Monday.
Students and non-essential staff have been advised to stay off campus, and DeCenzo wrote that university officials are in contact with the state’s Commission on Higher Education regarding a plan about housing and meal plan refunds as well as a safe move-out process.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 7:39 PM.
