The University of Pittsburgh has postponed all in-person spring commencement ceremonies at the main campus in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced Tuesday.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Gallagher said in a statement. “We know this news will be upsetting both to graduates, who have worked so hard to reach this milestone, and to their loved ones, who have supported them on their journeys. We recognize that this is not how any of you imagined this year ending — without the time to celebrate together and say farewell to the friends, mentors and the university that has fostered and witnessed your academic and personal success.”
New dates will be announced with enough notice for graduates and families to return to campus for the celebration, the statement said.
A spokesperson for Pitt’s Greensburg campus said it, too, has postponed graduation ceremonies.
Pitt extended spring break last week and proceeded on Sunday to move classes online for the remainder of the semester.
Online courses will begin March 23.
Pitt is limiting public access to several facilities, including the Cathedral of Learning, Hillman Library and Heinz Chapel. All public events have been canceled at the Community Engagement Centers and University Club, as well as fitness and recreation facilities. The university’s Office of Financial Aid and Admissions is closed to in-person meetings.
There are 23,466 undergraduates at Pitt’s main Oakland campus in Pittsburgh and regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville, along with 1,087 part-time students, according to figures provided by the university.
The main and satellite campuses also serve 9,191 full- and part-time graduate students.
Regional campuses will individually address commencement activities.
