University of Texas System Chancellor James Milliken sent a letter to the presidents of the eight academic UT institutions Tuesday stating changes to spring commencement ceremonies due to COVID-19.
“In light of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidance prohibiting gatherings, all spring commencement ceremonies shall be postponed,” the letter posted on the UT System’s website states. “Graduating students will receive their degrees as scheduled, but the ceremonies we all look forward to will be held at a later date, most likely in the fall.”
Asked when the UTRGV commencement will be held, President Guy Bailey said in an interview earlier today, the university has to wait and see the progress of COVID-19 before making a decision.
“So, what we’re trying to do right now is just wait and carefully monitor and act in a timely manner, but not act so quickly that we have to go in and revise things,” Bailey said.
He said the campus community will be notified about new dates for the commencement ceremonies via email, social media, text messages and newspaper.
Asked what message he has for the campus community, Bailey replied, “Well, first of all, follow the CDC guidelines. Practice social distancing. Don’t get in large gatherings of 10 or more. I would keep my gatherings very small. If you feel like you have any symptoms, go, immediately, to the [Health Services Clinic]. … We have a huge resource here that helps us understand this virus. So, I would just encourage you to be vigilant but don’t panic.”
For the complete letter from Chancellor Milliken, visit https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/sites/covid-19/letter-to-academic-presidents-03-17-2020.pdf
