WWU moves to online commencement and summer classes due to coronavirus

Western Washington University will join numerous schools across the country in transitioning to a virtual commencement ceremony for graduating senior this spring, the university announced Friday, April 10.

Spring commencement was scheduled to take place on June 13 at the Carver Academic Facility but was postponed along with winter commencement when the coronavirus outbreak struck the nation. Students who were set to graduate at either winter or spring commencement will be welcomed back for any ceremonies in the next academic year.

“I know that our students and their families were looking forward to this important lifetime milestone, and we share your disappointment,” school President Sabah Randhawa said in the email. “Nothing can truly take the place of crossing the stage in front of your family and friends, but we will do our very best to make the virtual graduation experience meaningful and truly Western. “

Other announcements in the release included the cancellation of all study abroad programs before Aug. 31 as well as all summer athletic camps and conferences. Summer classes, campus orientations and academic advising for incoming freshmen and transfer students will be fully online.

Randhawa said in the release that normal school operations should resume by the time the fall semester starts.

“Based on current virus spread trends in our state, we fully expect our main campus and locations statewide to be open and normal operations resumed for the fall 2020 start,” Randhawa said.

This story was originally published April 11, 2020 at 11:17 AM.