The campus spring 2021 commencement ceremony May 15 and department graduations will be held virtually due to public health concerns, announced Chancellor Carol Christ in an email sent to the graduating class Wednesday.

Christ cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as reasoning for the decision, despite the increasing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. While commencement and department graduations are planned to be virtual, there will be limited in-person, student-only walkthroughs at the Greek Theatre beginning May 15, should local health guidelines permit, the email stated.

The virtual commencement will include conferring of degrees, speeches and entertainment for graduate and undergraduate students, according to Christ’s email.

The campus spring 2020, summer 2020 and winter 2020 commencements were all also conducted virtually due to public health regulations.

“Planning for each option is still underway, and we will share the details as they are confirmed,” Christ said in the email. “I am incredibly inspired by your flexibility, resilience, and perseverance during these strange times.”