Slippery Rock University announced Monday the university’s spring commencement ceremonies at Morrow Field House have been postponed indefinitely. Originally scheduled for May 8 and 9, the move is part of SRU’s ongoing effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Decisions like this are difficult and disappointing to make,” Slippery Rock University President William Behre said in announcing the decision Monday. “Everyone at SRU understands what commencement means to our graduating students as well as their proud families and friends, not only as a highly regarded and cherished tradition, but as the culmination of a hard-earned educational pursuit.”

Behre said the decision to postpone was made to help ensure the safety of university students, faculty, staff, parents and friends that would gather for one or more of SRU’s three ceremonies.

“Many health experts are predicting that we could be in for an extended period of disruption,” Behre said. “And as disappointing as it is to tell our students that celebrating their accomplishments has been put on hold, it is in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety that we made this decision.”

Behre said university officials will host an in-person celebration later in the year, pending the national health scene.

“We will recognize our spring 2020 graduates, in-person, at a time when it is again safe to bring large groups of people together,” he said. “Those students who have earned the right will indeed get their diplomas, and at some point, in the near future, it will be my honor and pleasure to congratulate them in person,”

Despite the postponement of ceremonies, Behre said undergraduate and graduate students eligible to graduate in May will receive their diplomas via mail.

Justin Zackal is a communications specialist with Slippery Rock University.