Regional News

WVC commencement ceremonies moved online, spring classes remain online

Apr 30, 2020

Wenatchee Valley College commencement ceremonies for both campuses will take place online. College leadership, in partnership with the student senate, has decided that an in-person 2020 graduation will not be held, due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This decision wasn’t easy, but it comes from a place of concern for the safety of our students, their families and the community at large,” Erin Tofte, associate dean of campus life, equity and inclusion, wrote in an email to students this week. “We are so proud of all of your hard work and perseverance, and we intend to celebrate it.”

Virtual graduation ceremonies will be held for both campuses using Zoom, featuring students, speakers from around the college and photos and videos celebrating the accomplishments of WVC students. Students must submit their application for graduation to the registration office by May 1 to ensures that their diploma is created and that their name appears in the graduation program. Students who are graduating in 2020 are also invited to walk in the in-person ceremony in 2021.

The associate degree nursing pinning ceremonies for both campuses will also take place virtually – no in-person gatherings will be held.

WVC classes will remain online until the end of spring quarter, regardless of when the Washington governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is lifted or when businesses reopen.

College leadership has not yet made a decision to move summer or fall quarters online. If action is taken to move classes online after spring quarter, students and the community will be notified.

Until the college receives further guidance from the governor’s office both WVC campuses will remain closed to students and the public and employees currently working from home will continue to do so. The process of reopening campus is expected to be gradual, and will happen in accordance with the governor’s directives.

Those who are on campus or are visiting campus are being asked to practice good hygiene, social distancing and to stay home if sick. The residence hall will remain open to residents, but social distancing is being implemented.