Western University. (File Photo by Victoria Sartor, BlackburnNews.com)Western University. (File Photo by Victoria Sartor, BlackburnNews.com)
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Western cancels spring convocation due to COVID-19

Western University has cancelled its spring convocation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made Thursday by the university's convocation board.

"Our decision was made with guidance from public health authorities and with the best interests of our community at heart, particularly those of our graduating students and their families," University President Alan Shepard wrote in a letter to graduating students. "We realize this will come as an enormous disappointment to our graduating students, especially after you have persevered these last few weeks to complete your studies in the face of such extraordinary challenges."

Shepard went on to apologize to graduating students for not being able to mark the "important milestone" in their lives the way they want at this time. However, he did state students will still be granted their degrees with graduation awarded status to be reflected on official transcripts.

The spring convocation ceremonies had been scheduled to be held between May 22 and June 19.

Shepard has committed to allowing those affected by the cancellation to participate in a future convocation after the threat of the pandemic has subsided.

"We will provide further updates on this as our contingency plans develop. I hope you will return to campus then so we can celebrate your achievements together," Shepard wrote.

Western cancelled classes on campus and moved to online learning earlier this month. It has since ordered all non-essential staff to work from home.

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