All Maryland public universities cancel in-person commencement ceremonies

All Maryland public universities will be canceling in-person commencement ceremonies, the board announced on Thursday.

The University Systems of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman released a statement talking about the remainder of the semester, commencement, and other campus matters.

“I’ve encouraged universities to be creative in how they celebrate their graduates. Many are talking about celebrating in a virtual environment. I’d certainly also support in-person commencement gatherings once this period of COVID-19 threat has lifted.”

All undergraduate courses will shift to remote instruction for the rest of the semester.

“It will be up to presidents, provosts, deans, and department heads to work out detailed plans that allow students to complete their work and to fulfill all of their requirements. ”

Perman emphasizes, “This isn’t a break. It’s not a respite from the semester. It’s not a party. I urge students to stay in their family homes or in off-campus housing to follow the state and federal guidelines on gatherings.”

For more information on how students can retrieve their belongings and refunds on room and board, click here.