SIU will not be holding the traditional commencement ceremony in May, according to an update on the coronavirus webpage.

“We make this decision with regret because we know that commencement is the highlight of the college experience for students and families,” the announcement said.

The ceremony will not take place due to the uncertain timeline of COVID-19 and restrictions against large gatherings, the announcement said.

“This decision does not affect the conferring of degrees and a student’s ability to graduate,” the announcement said. “Students who are qualified to graduate will still do so, and degrees will be mailed as usual.”

The announcement said the ceremony is not necessarily canceled, but the university is exploring alternatives to celebrate graduation virtually or to hold it in the future.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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