Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford originally planned to celebrate May 2020 graduates at a fall ceremony, however school officials have determined the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make it unsafe to have large gatherings.

Thus, SWOSU must make changes to its calendar. SWOSU has decided to cancel the fall graduation ceremony originally scheduled for Nov. 21.

Instead, the university plans to provide several alternative methods of celebrating its graduates who planned to participate in the ceremony.

Graduates will have an opportunity to take a professional photo with their gown and diploma cover during a two-day period in November at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.

The Alma Mater Merc has caps/gowns provided by the university for graduates who have not already picked them up.

A graduation program will be printed, and each graduate will receive four copies.

Even though there will not be a live ceremony in November, SWOSU invites graduates to participate in the May 2021 ceremony.

More details will be provided soon on the SWOSU website, but university officials wanted to get word to the graduates and their families.