South Carolina State University will hold a virtual commencement ceremony to confer degrees upon graduates of the institution’s class of 2020.

The decision follows the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic that has resulted in strict national and statewide policies aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

“These are unprecedented times,” university President James E. Clark said in a release.

“This pandemic has forced us to live in a different way. That includes changing the ways we do everything, including our university events. Given that we don’t know when the virus threat will be over in our area and given the series of executive orders set forth by our governor, we have decided to conduct our commencement ceremony virtually,” he said.

University leaders have not yet set a date for the virtual graduation, which is expected to honor bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree recipients.

“Because we do not know if the country will conquer COVID-19 by July, August or even later, it is not wise for us to give students a date for when the next physical graduation will be held,” university Provost and Academic Officer Dr. Learie Luke said. “As it stands today, we are still under the governor’s executive order of no assembly larger than three people.” read the full article at Times and Democrat,