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Syracuse University plans to hold a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 once public health guidelines allow for large gatherings, Chancellor Kent Syverud said Saturday. 

SU moved classes online last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic and postponed the graduating class’s in-person commencement. 

The university is still unsure of when it will be possible to hold a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020, Syverud said in an SU News release. Central New York is experiencing high rates of infections, which limits the size of indoor gatherings.

“This is a disappointing situation for all of us,” Syverud said. “I assure you that the Class of 2020 will receive an in-person celebration that appropriately recognizes your achievements.”

The chancellor said he hopes expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines will eventually allow for an in-person ceremony.