Students across the country are facing many abrupt changes in response to the novel Coronavirus situation. With schools closing and universities moving to strict remote learning protocols for the remainder of the spring semester, many graduating seniors are left with uncertainty as their graduation date draws near.

West Chester University’s president, Dr. Christopher Fiorentino, chose to bring a sense of calm to his Class of 2020 as they work through restrictions brought on by COVID-19.

In today’s edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dr. Fiorentino states that the university will have a commencement, but may have to delay it until a safer time.

“We can’t fix everything,” he stated, “but we can certainly make sure their college career ends with the kind of celebration and dignity they deserve.”

We commend Dr. Fiorentino for his appreciation and understanding that his graduating seniors have reached a milestone in their lives to be shared with family and friends while also following essential measures to keep the student and broader community safe. His decision to postpone commencement rather than cancel it altogether is a calming message to his institution’s graduating seniors and the type of message graduating students at all levels need to hear right now.