Cuesta College is postponing its spring 2020 commencement ceremony.
The college announced Wednesday the ceremony would be pushed to December 2020 in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
"Commencement is a joyous culmination of the hard work and dedication of our graduating students, and we are committed to properly recognizing their accomplishments," said Dr. Jill Stearns, Cuesta College superintendent/president in a press release. "Our students want the opportunity to celebrate with their family and friends present as they receive their diploma."
The college says the decision to postpone the ceremony, originally set for May 22, was made after consulting with students, faculty, and staff.
"The response from a survey sent to 1,125 students made clear their preference of walking across the stage at an in-person event," Cuesta said in a press release.
The college is still planning to celebrate the Class of 2020 on May 22 with videos and social media posts.
Summer 2019-fall 2020 graduates are eligible to take part in the December ceremony.
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Cuesta College to hold virtual lectures during summer term