In response to the coronavirus, online learning continues through the end of the spring semester at Columbia International University. Meanwhile, a commencement ceremony is planned for Aug. 15.

An online virtual commencement had been planned for May. But the CIU administration is responding to graduating students who desire an on-campus ceremony.

“Many graduates expressed a desire to see each other and to have the chance to walk across the stage as their names are called,” President Dr. Mark Smith and Provost Dr. James Lanpher wrote in an email to students. “We understand that desire very well and definitely want our graduates to have the chance to walk.”

Graduating students, who cannot make it to the August ceremony, are invited to walk in the December ceremony.

Smith and Lanpher added that everyone at CIU wants to do everything they can for the students so they can succeed.

Detailed information on CIU coronavirus response is at www.ciu.edu/covid19.