USU cancels August graduation

Utah State University has officially cancelled its graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 in August. USU President Noelle Cockett expressed her disappointment in an email sent out to the 2020 graduating class.

According to Emilie Wheeler, USU public information officer, after weeks of consultation with school administrators and health officials, they decided there was no alternative.

“All the advice we have received from state and local officials has been to avoid mass gatherings,” she said. “An event as large as a USU graduation would be the literal definition of a mass gathering.”

Wheeler said there was also concern for relatives who might be traveling from out-of-state. Particularly older relatives and grandparents who are part of the high-risk demographic. Ultimately, she added, there is a need to protect the community around USU as well.

“We want to express our sadness,” Wheeler said. “We also want students to know that this is disappointing for faculty and staff as well. They look forward to seeing their students graduate. This is really disappointing for us all.”

Ceremonies for the class of 2020 were planned for Aug. 28-29.

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