Southwestern College students have spoken—commencement will be postponed until December.

Approximately 60 percent of those who voted chose to postpone their graduation after college leadership released a survey asking if students preferred a virtual ceremony in the spring or waiting until the end of 2020. Nearly half of the graduating class completed the survey to provide their input.

The ceremony is typically held in May but officials decided to postpone all face-to-face courses to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. SWC President Dr. Kindred Murillo said the recommendation would be given to the committees responsible for commencement.

“That recommendation is going to the Shared Consultation Committee tomorrow,” she said. “The executive leadership team supports that recommendation for postponing. So the commencement committee and the executive leadership team all believe that postponing is the right thing to do.”

Academic Senate President and professor Emily Lynch Morissette said it was important the SCC honor students’ wishes.

“Southwestern College employees value and treasure how graduation allows us to honor and appreciate our students,” Lynch Morissette said. “Whenever we are able to have our Spring 2020 graduation, as always, there will be employees that strive to make it special for students.”