The State University of New York at Fredonia has announced that, in the interest of public health and safety, the annual Commencement ceremonies traditionally held in May, will be postponed.

“Given the need to protect the health of everyone, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Commencement ceremony to a later date,” Interim President Dennis L. Hefner said in an email message to the campus community.

Dr. Hefner added that the Class of 2020 will be included in the decision-making process as a new date is determined. “Senior Class President Deoniss Jackson has recommended seeking input from members of the Class of 2020 about several options before finalizing the exact date,” Dr. Hefner’s message said. “All seniors will be receiving a separate survey soon.”

Two identical Commencement ceremonies were planned for May 16 to honor the approximately 1,000 degree candidates eligible to participate.

Dr. Hefner made it clear to the graduating seniors that even though the formal ceremonies may be delayed, any academic degree they achieve will not.

“Please know that postponement of the ceremony does not delay receipt of diplomas,” Dr. Hefner said. “As happens every year, transcripts are revised in May to reflect the exact date of graduation, and actual diplomas are mailed to graduates in early summer.”