The University of Wyoming will not hold its traditional winter commencement ceremonies in December, due to concerns about large gatherings and travel related to COVID-19.

Instead, the university is making plans for a virtual ceremony to be broadcast live Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. The ceremony is scheduled to last about 45 minutes and will include all colleges and degree levels.

“As was the case during the spring, we regretfully are not able to host an in-person commencement ceremony for our winter 2020 graduates,” Vice President for Student Affairs Kim Chestnut said. “However, we are planning a very memorable virtual ceremony similar to the one we conducted in May, and we hope our new graduates, their families and friends will join us in celebrating their wonderful accomplishments.”

While details of the virtual ceremony are in planning — more information on how students and families can participate will be communicated later — there are other options for members of the December 2020 graduating class.

First, they have the ability to return for a future spring or winter commencement ceremony; that’s a practice that has been in place for many years at UW. Additionally, UW is repurposing its winter 2020 commencement budget to purchase and deliver keepsakes for graduates, their families and friends.

For more details on the virtual commencement as they become available, go to www.uwyo.edu/commencement.