The Montana University System Apr. 3 announced that all in-person spring commencement ceremonies are cancelled because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The pomp and circumstance normally associated with graduation will be absent for those spring 2020 graduates.
Karen Odgen, Communications Director for the Office of Higher Education, says officials pondered the decision for a while.
"We wanted to take the time to be absolutely sure that it wasn’t possible. And also to just coordinate across our campuses so everyone was getting the news at the same time," Odgen said.
While in-person activities have been cancelled, the 16 public campuses in the system are still working to honor the graduates.
Montana State University said graduates will receive a personal invitation for virtual college celebrations to happen remotely in mid-May. Graduates will receive a Spring 2020 Commencement in a box that includes a blue-and-gold tassel.
Montana State University graduates, including those as MSU-Billings and Northern will also be invited to Fall and Winter Commencement ceremonies in December. Helena College said a new commencement will be held at a later date when restrictions are lifted.
University of Montana President Seth Bodner says UM is surveying graduates on commencement options.
Rocky Mountain College in Billings announced that they’ll hold a virtual commencement ceremony on May 9.
All of Montana’s public universities moved to online classes in late March amid the pandemic. The order is in place until further notice.
