BOISE, Idaho — Boise State University has canceled large gatherings on campus through the end of 2020, including winter commencement, due to public health concerns.
Central District Health put in new rules around public events in June. The Mountain West also indefinitely postponed fall sports, including football.
“I know that this will be a truly heartbreaking loss for our students who have worked so hard to achieve their goals as well as for their faculty, friends and family who long to celebrate these accomplishments, and I grieve that with all my heart,” said Boise State president Dr. Marlene Tromp. “Commencement is a landmark event for the institution and also in the lives of our students. This is an especially tough blow to the Spring 2020 graduates who we sincerely hoped would be able to join us in person this December. These are extraordinary and extraordinarily difficult times across the globe, and I hope every graduating Bronco still embraces the pride and joy of their achievement, even in the face of losses occasioned by the global pandemic.”
All spring, summer and winter 2020 graduates will be invited to participate in a virtual ceremony in December, according to a news release from the university. BSU continues to plan for spring 2021 ceremonies with "cautious optimism given predictions of the virus and its continued threat to the health and safety of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
“We treasure our graduates and want to celebrate and honor them, as soon as we can safely do so,” Dr. Tromp said.
Students at Boise State are using a blend of in-person, online and hybrid courses, lab work and field research designed to keep everyone safe. The plan will also keep students on track to reach their academic goals and connect with classmates and faculty.
Around 50% of the seats in BSU's fall classes are being delivered remotely. To accommodate the physical distance needed to keep in-person classes and experiences safe, the university is using large meeting rooms generally open to public events. As a result, all large public events will be canceled or postponed through this calendar year.
