USC tentatively reschedules commencement after postponing due to coronavirus
The University of South Carolina has tentatively found a new date for its commencement exercises, it announced Thursday — Aug. 7 and 8.
May’s commencement was postponed by the university in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. USC has shifted to online-only instruction after initially extending spring break, barring students from staying in campus residences and suspending in-person instruction.
The Aug. 7-8 dates are still tentative and subject to change as the pandemic progresses. Many major sporting, political and pop culture events have been forced to be posponed, often indefinitely, as health officials try to contain the spread of the virus. South Carolina scientists have predicted a surge in cases through April and into May, and politicians and experts have focused on “flattening the curve” of the pandemic.
USC President Bob Caslen had pledged last week when announcing the postponement of commencement that USC would seek to find an alternate date to host an in-person ceremony.
“We realize that these actions will be deeply disappointing to our students, particularly those of you who are about to graduate and were looking forward to a final semester on campus. This is difficult for you and for your loved ones. It is also difficult for us,” Caslen said in a letter.
Clemson, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina and USC Upstate have all postponed their commencement ceremonies as well but not announced re-scheduled dates. The Citadel has said it will hold a virtual ceremony in May.
There have been more than a dozen confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus among South Carolina students and faculty, and a group of students has been quarantined after one tested positive for COVID-19 in a dorm.
The university has still not said when students will be able to return to campus to retrieve their belongings in residence halls, and a refund policy for housing, meals, parking and other expenses is still being developed.
