USC cancels in-person graduation ceremony in 2020 as COVID-19 cases continue to rise
The University of South Carolina has canceled all plans for an in-person graduation ceremony in 2020 as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
A letter from USC Presiden Bob Caslen that explained the situation was sent to recent graduates Saturday. Caslen said holding a large gathering, like the planned commencement ceremony, would not be safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m writing today to inform you that after consulting with our Board of Trustees we have made the difficult decision to cancel the tentative in-person commencement ceremony at Williams-Brice Stadium previously scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8,” Caslen said in the letter. “I know this may come as a great disappointment to you and your family.”
The decision to scrap an in-person graduation was made with the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USC public health experts, according to the letter.
“Experts do not believe it is safe to host a large in-person gathering because of the increased risk of transmission,” Caslen said.
In place of an event at the home of the Gamecocks football team, a virtual ceremony will be held on the same day, Caslen said.
“The safety of our students and their families is our top priority,” USC officials said.
The hope is to eventually celebrate the Class of 2020 in person at some point in the future. Graduates will be invited to attend the next in-person ceremony once the university is able to resume large gatherings, USC officials said.
Less than a month ago, USC made tentative plans for the physical graduation ceremony.
But Caslen said the event was conditional, depending on coronavirus infection levels remaining relatively low in July and August.
USC didn’t wait until August to make the decision. On the same day Caslen announced plans for an in-person ceremony were scrapped, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reported a single-day record in the amount of new cases of COVID-19 as 2,239 people tested positive for the virus.
Caslen said USC made the decision now to give enough time for those who were considering traveling to Columbia for the event to adjust their plans.
They are still invited to the virtual event, which will begin at noon.
The names of students who graduated in Spring 2020 or applied to graduate in Summer 2020 graduation from the Columbia or Palmetto College Campus will be displayed and announced during the virtual ceremony, USC officials said. School of Law and Doctoral graduates and candidates from the Columbia campus will also be included in the presentation of names.
“By earning your degree at South Carolina, you have achieved a significant accomplishment that calls for celebration, Caslen said in the letter. “... thank you again for your patience, resilience and understanding.”
Canceling the in-person graduation ceremony certainly casts a shadow of doubt on the possibility of Gamecocks football games in the fall. Caslen did not address that issue in his letter.
During a news conference in June, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said should cases of the coronavirus continue to skyrocket, fall sports, including college football, could be canceled.
Last week, USC Athletic Director Ray Tanner said he doesn’t think college football games would be canceled, but allowed they might be postponed.
This story was originally published July 12, 2020 at 10:26 AM.
