GHC officials have announced that 2020 graduation commencement ceremonies are being postponed.

According to a release from the office of President Don Green, GHC will be rescheduling the commencement ceremony — which was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

New dates for the ceremonies are yet to be determined, but GHC officials hope “to have the ceremonies later this summer, when we are confident of the safety and well-being for our graduates and their guests,” according to GHC’s Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Dana Nichols.

The release also states that the nurse pinning ceremony, originally scheduled for May 15, is being moved to a later date as well.

These moves come in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In light of the CDC’s urging for “social distancing” to slow the spread of the virus, Nichols said diplomas will be mailed directly to graduates.

“Students will still graduate consistent with academic standards,” Nichols said, “but the actual ceremonies will not be held as originally scheduled.”

“If you have already ordered your regalia, that order will be held for you,” Nichols said.

Registration for additional cap and gown orders will open at a later date.

According to Nichols, GHC graduates who attend the ceremonies will receive a special 50th anniversary commemorative diploma cover.