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Coronavirus Forces W.Va. Colleges To Postpone Commencements

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Graduation Ceremonies Across the State are Being Postponed Because of the Coronavirus.

In the face of social distancing requirements implemented to limit the spread of the coronavirus, colleges across the state are re-examining their commencement plans.

The coronavirus pandemic has not only left colleges rethinking how to conduct classes for the remainder of the semester, but also how to honor their graduates.

West Virginia University, Shepherd University, and West Liberty University have all announced virtual ceremonies for their graduating classes, while postponing their in-person graduations.

Marshall University has also announced that they are postponing their graduation but have not announced any plans for a virtual ceremony at this time.

At all four institutions, the postponement of commencement has no effect on the awarding of degrees, or the end of the semester.

Along with the postponement of their commencement ceremony, West Virginia University also announced the cancellation of all in-person summer courses in favor of online classes during this time.

Corey Knollinger is a reporter based in the Nothern Panhandle News Bureau, and a storytelling instructor with Project YURT. Corey first started at West Virginia Public Broadcasting as an intern in 2017. He graduated from West Liberty University in 2019 with degrees in Broadcasting and Digital Media Design. His work has been featured in Weelunk and the Southern Foodways Aliance Gravy Podcast, as well as on WVPB. When he's not crafting stories, Corey enjoys cooking and is an avid music nerd.

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