UC Merced postpones May commencement as part of precautionary coronavirus measures
Following a slew of event cancellations due to state and federal recommendations, UC Merced announced Wednesday that its commencement celebrations will be postponed to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Interim Chancellor Nathan Brostrom described the move to postpone the May 16 and 17 graduation dates as a “difficult decision” in a statement released by the university.
“Commencement is a meaningful and momentous day for our graduates, their loved ones and our entire University community and we strive to make it a very special occasion,” Brostrom said in the statement.
The university is considering a range of alternative approaches to celebrate graduation, including the possibility of an in-person ceremony that still accounts for the safety of students and families.
Earlier this week, the university announced that effective March 30, UC students returning from spring break will receive all instruction remotely.
UC Merced announced this week that two students showed COVID-19 symptoms and are in self-quarantine while awaiting test results.
There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Merced County as of Wednesday, March 18.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 4:17 PM.
