Syracuse University says Class of 2020 graduation ceremony won’t be possible until after Thanksgiving

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University’s leader says he doesn’t believe it’s possible to hold an in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 until after Thanksgiving.

That was part of a letter from Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud to the university community that was posted Tuesday on the school’s news website.

“…with the public health information available to us today, it is not yet advisable to ask our graduates and their families to travel from across the country and around the globe to Central New York for an event of that size before Thanksgiving,” Syverud wrote.

Syverud will send Class of 2020 members a survey asking for their preference on when Syracuse University should hold the ceremony between Thanksgiving and May 2021.

“With their feedback, we will share our plans for Commencement promptly. I remain committed to recognizing our graduates with the celebration they deserve,” Syverud wrote.

In his letter, Syverud also told the recent graduates, “In planning for our fall semester, we are determining how the University manages large-scale events, such as athletic events, and annual traditions where we come together in large numbers.”