INDIANAPOLIS — With colleges and universities across Indiana shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic, questions surround May commencements. Several schools in the state have already chosen to completely cancel spring commencement ceremonies while others are working on alternatives.
PURDUE: Schools are coming up with alternatives to the traditional ceremony. At Purdue, President Mitch Daniels says May commencement, usually held in the Elliott Hall of Music, will be conducted virtually.
“Purdue’s commencement ceremonies are known far and wide as among the best and most memorable anywhere,” Daniels wrote to candidates for May graduation. “We are deeply proud of Purdue students and there are few experiences that are as important to you — and to us — than celebrating your graduation together. We will provide an opportunity, if you so choose, for you to take part in a future traditional ceremony, and I promise you we are hard at work to create a special, memorable and fun virtual experience for you and your families as an option for this May.”
More details about the planned virtual ceremony and opportunities to attend a future ceremony in person will be released to graduates in coming weeks.
Butler's May 9 commencement is canceled, according to President James Danko. On Tuesday, the school also announced plans to continue online learning through the end of the spring semester. Danko said Butler is working on "virtual ways to celebrate the Class of 2020."
"We share your disappointment, but we strongly believe this was a necessary decision in our new reality and consistent with our mission of serving the greater good," the message read. "We are fully committed to honoring and celebrating the Class of 2020. We are investigating ways to coordinate a virtual convening of representatives of the senior class along with relevant University administrators to recognize this milestone in their Butler career."
Indiana University in Bloomington has canceled spring commencement.
Ball State has canceled spring commencement.
Indiana State University is planning a virtual graduation service and is also inviting spring semester graduates to take part in the usual December commencement.
University of Notre Dame hopes to hold its graduation ceremonies as scheduled on May 15 and 17.
Wabash College in Crawfordsville hasn't firmed up plans, but is looking at a delayed commencement, possibly later in the summer.
DePauw University in Greencastle if hopeful for commencement as scheduled on May 17. But a final determination has not been made.
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