Philander Smith College postpones commencement to fall semester due to COVID-19 pandemic
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Philander Smith College is postponing the spring commencement ceremony until the fall semester, due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, said the college in a press release Monday.
"We held out hope as long as we could that we would not have to go in this direction. However, with the ongoing uncertainty and progressing nature of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we felt it was best to push back our graduation ceremony until such time when it is safer for our students, their families, and our faculty and staff can come together and celebrate,” said President Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. "We are deeply appreciative of the entire campus community for their tremendous patience and understanding as we continue to maneuver through all of the implications of this unprecedented pandemic."
The ceremony was expected to happen on May 2 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Philander Smith administrators are working to identify the rescheduled date.
Students who lived on campus moved out on March 22, due to coronavirus concerns. According to the College, all students who complete degree requirements by the end of the spring semester will have their degree on schedule in May.
For updates regarding the latest announcements on the COVID-19 impact, please visit www.philander.edu/coronavirus-updates.
