SUNY Geneseo has decided to cancel commencement ceremonies this year; both the master’s ceremony scheduled for May 8 and the undergraduate ceremony on May 16.
The college plans to work together with the Class of 2020 to find creative and alternative ways to honor graduates’ achievements at a later date.
“We know this is an emotional time for our graduating students, and we realize how much they will miss the recognition and closure that a commencement ceremony would bring,” said Geneseo President Denise Battles. “Our only comfort in making this difficult decision is knowing that, by doing so, we are taking the best action we can to protect the health and safety of our students, family members, faculty, staff, and those in our respective communities.”
Students who are successful in achieving the academic standards established by the College will still graduate in May, despite the lack of a ceremony, and will receive their diplomas in the mail later in the summer.
Geneseo is the latest of several area colleges to either cancel or postpone their commencement due to concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.
